Clair J. Jones

Clair John Jones was born in Los Angeles, California July 24, 1935 to Helen (Hall) and Johnny C. Jones. He passed away August 27, 2025 in Coos Bay.

Clair spent most of his early childhood years in Malad, Idaho and Santa Monica, California. Then moving to Marshfield, Oregon and attending school in Bunker Hill. Next moving to North Bend, where he attended school at Roosevelt and North Bend High. Finally moving to Green Acres and graduating from Marshfield High School in 1954.

After graduation, Clair joined the U.S Marine Corps, where he flew as a radio man between Japan and Korea.

When he returned home, he and Diane Hocamp were married. They had three children, Kelli, Keith and Kent. Clair worked and managed the Courtel for a few years. He took over the Chandler Hotel coffee shop and skyroom. He bought the Captain’s Choice in Charleston. Also had the Virginia Street Diner in North Bend. He built the Captain’s Choice in North Bend and was also in partnership with oyster beds and a shrimp boat. Owning a travel agency was good for some traveling.

Clair was very active in the community, including the Coos Bay Pirates Booster Club urging conventions around the state to come to this area. He also enjoyed his years on the North Bend City Council and the North Bend airport board of commissioners. He was a member of Rotary, Elks Club, American Legion and was a Mason. Clair was named “Citizen of the year” in North Bend.

He made friends easily and will be missed by all who knew him. Life was good.

Clair is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughter, Kelly and Ken Watson; his son, Kent and Rebeca Jones; grandchildren, Kadi and Jesse Kenyon, Kortni and Rob Johnson, Claudia and Daniel Wood, Russell Jones, Natalie Jones and Isabella Jones; great-grandchildren, Tristan, Grayson, Nora and Max Johson, Lily and Logan Kenyon and Roran Wood; as well as his brother, Kely and Judi Costello.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Kelly Costello; his sister, Norma Jones Rath and recently his son, Keith Jones.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and other residents at Ocean Ridge for making his stay there more pleasant.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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