Richard B Jones

Richard B. Jones 89, a resident of Port Orchard, died April 20, 2026 of natural causes in Port Orchard, WA.

He was born April 15, 1937 in Aberdeen to James Raymond Jones and Marie Elizabeth Schaffer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Georgina Jones. He graduated high school at Aberdeen Weatherwax high school in 1955. He represented his school in athletics and played football where he earned a reputation as a tough, hard-hitting defensive player, suffering broken nose(s) as proof of his tenacious plays. After high school he joined the Navy and served in submarines, advancing to third class petty officer. His diesel boat was home-ported in San Diego.

After the Navy, Dick worked for Pacific Northwest Bell in Seattle and after gaining his college degree, he graduated from the University of Washington Law School. When Dick and Donna were living in Mountlake Terrace, he volunteered to coach football in a pee-wee league. This was a joyous activity, as he would recall in later years the fun of teaching basics and designing plays and trying to teach his charges a bit of sportsmanship to boot.

In 1974, Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney, John C. Merkel, offered Dick a Deputy position in hisoffice, and Dick and Donna moved over and bought their home on Colchester Drive in Port Orchard. He was a stellar Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for over three years. When John Merkel was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington in 1977, he attracted Jones to work for him and hired Donna to transcribe various interviews and testimony.

The highlight of Dick’s trial work was winning convictions in the so-called “Gamscam” trial. The state Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker were caught in an FBI sting and accused of agreeing to expand legalized gambling in the state in exchange for a share of the profits. Donna transcribed testimony and FBI interviews. .

Merkel’s tenure ended in 1980. Dick and Donna had commuted, so they stayed in Port Orchard and opened their own law office on Prospect Street. They made a successful team, and after establishing his reputation as a leading attorney of the highest ethical standards, Dick was appointed as the Judge of Bremerton Municipal Court. Judge Jones ran a well-organized court, showed his legal ability, and most of all, demonstrated fairness in listening to testimony and judging only on the facts presented in court.

Four years later a mayoral election brought an end to Dick’s tenure as a judge and he returned to his practice at the Port Orchard office. There he earned the respect and friendship of county prosecuting attorneys. The Kitsap County Bar Association posted a message from former prosecutor—now Superior Court Commissioner—Matthew L. Clucas, as follows: 

Dick was often called upon to provide defense in serious felonies. He always was a formidable trial attorney but also had a great sense of humor. Once in trial he convinced the judge to make me show a two hour video to the jury that showed absolutely nothing. When the video was finally done he whispered “sorry to do that to you, but since I don’t have any defense I figured my only chance was to put the jury to sleep.”I always appreciated his honesty and humor. He will be greatly missed by those that knew him.

Dick and Donna had a passion for helping families that were in a tough time and animals in need of some loving humane care. Donna served as President of South Kitsap Helpline and as a board member for three years. And their love for animals was shown by their continuing support of the Kitsap Humane Society.

Dick and Donna are greatly missed by many in the community, but especially their neighbors on Colchester Drive. Until “D&D” moved in, the neighbors up the beach from them never knew neighbors down the beach. Dick and Donna made their home and deck a welcoming place for all to gather many times a year. They hosted gatherings for football and holiday celebrations and costume affairs. But the largest and longest traditions they hosted were the “Colchester Gang” annual summer gatherings.

Over years of balancing the stressors of trial work with the solitude, peace, and rewards of woodworking, Dick became a master craftsman. Yes, he made mistakes that caused frustration, but creating things that would be used and enjoyed far outweighed any angst over his mistakes. He made everything from scratch, and gave his productions to neighbors and friends. Chief among his creations were large and small wooden boats and Adirondack chairs.

In the fourteen years since Donna died, Dick missed her every day. He loved to see photos of her and for friends to recall stories about her. His personal interests were loyalty to PBS and its programming, Husky football, gardening, reading, and hosting friends. Until his last illness, Dick was a voracious reader for a man of his age.

Dick is survived by his sister, Susan Rae Wynans (James R. Wynans) and his niece, Kimberly Marie Wynans. He is also survived by his chosen family, Stephanie Nelson who, along with his neighbors have loved and taken care of him over the years.

In memory of Dick and Donna Jones, memorial contributions may be made to Kitsap Humane Society, 9167 Dickey Road NW, Silverdale, WA 98383.