Preferred Care Cremation Milwaukee
Ferdinand H. Jones Jr.

Ferdinand Harold Jones Jr., 88, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, fell asleep in death peacefully after a long illness on February 2, 2024. He was born on April 15, 1935, in Peoria, Illinois, to Ferdinand and Edna Jordan Jones.


Ferdinand was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Sylvia Ahlman and Joyce Jackson, his sons Keith Harold Jones and Darby Ferdinand Jones Sr. and his grandson Barney Rogers Jr., granddaughters Ashley Brook Webster and Naiomi Marie Jones and great grandson Najee A. Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his close spiritual brothers and sisters: Michael Graham, Bill Provine, Marvin and Beverly Hall, Lawrence and Barbara Herbert, and Birdo Charles.


Ferdinand is survived by his sister, Cecilia Jordan of Peoria and by his first wife and high school sweetheart Emma Claire Jones of Peoria, and their three children: Steven Ferdinand (Shirley) Jones of Phoenix, Arizona; Wanda Fay (Gregory) Washington of Peoria; Lisa Gaye Jones of Milwaukee; and his son Charles Leland Webster of Cincinnati, Ohio.


Also surviving is the love of his life, second wife Susan Warren Jones of Milwaukee, and their children: Kevin Harold (Carmen) Jones aka Trace, Ferdinand Harold (Tracy) Jones III aka Max, Justin Harold Jones, Lydia Suzette Jones of Charleston, South Carolina, Lilah Annette Jones (Dani) of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and raised grandson Darby Ferdinand Jones Jr. of Newburgh, New York.


Ferdinand is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and close spiritual family, including Elnora Johnson, Ruby (Sciphio) Scott, Laura Johnson, Patricia Johnson, Denver "Debbie" Hall-Smith, Mishael "Micki" Hall, J. Anna (James) Lutz, and Joe'l Hall. Mary Louise Graham McAdams, Derek (Philippa) Graham, Wyatt (Juanita) Graham and Shareea Graham, Beverly Charles, Robert Charles, Madeline Charles, Karen (Clarence) McGhee and Stephen Charles.


Ferdinand, known as Mr. Gloss, had a successful career in the automotive industry. In 1976, he and his wife Susan founded American Auto Beauty SHOP, located on 13th and Meinecke. With a commitment to impeccable customer service, Ferdinand invested in tools and paint booths to set his shop apart as a premier establishment. One of his favorite tools was a CHIEF Frame Rack, which helped him excel in his craft. The business grew to two locations before moving to the East side at 2108 N. Farwell in 1985, where it became a Carstar Franchise. In 2002, Ferdinand purchased property at 3866 N. Fratney, which became the location he retired from. Ferdinand's lifelong passion for cars began when he worked alongside his father at Quality Auto Car Wash in Peoria, where he learned moxie the value of hard work and passed on this work ethic to his children.


Ferdinand was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses at the 52nd & Meinecke Kingdom Hall in 1964, along with his wife Susan. He raised his family at the Kingdom Hall on 13th & Atkinson before moving to Glendale and attending the North Shore congregation on Mequon Rd. In his later years, he attended the Merrill Park congregation with his son Kevin, daughter-in-law Carmen, and granddaughter Aurora, with whom he lived. Ferdinand's relationship with Jehovah was an important part of his life, and even in times of darkness and valleys of illness and inactivity, he sought Jehovah's friendship and remained faithful until the end.


In addition to his professional and spiritual pursuits, Ferdinand had a variety of hobbies. He was a conversationalist and loved sharing historical facts and knowledge. His memory for cars was uncanny, with an ability to recall details about makes, models, features, manufacturers, and trim designs. Ferdinand enjoyed fishing and took advantage of every opportunity to spend time on his BOAT, exploring local lakes like Lulu Lake, Oconomowoc and Pewaukee. He was also a skilled handyman and with the help of his wife Susan, remodeled all three floors of their house on 3823 N. 9th Street. One of his favorite installations was a wood STOVE, which he became absolutely obsessed with. Ferdinand also took pride in his hobby of wine making and delighted in his annual harvest.


Ferdinand Harold Jones Jr. will be remembered as a hardworking, intelligent, and gregarious man. He loved his family dearly and generously shared his love for history, music, and singing. His dedication to his craft and his faith in Jehovah were evident throughout his life. Ferdinand will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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