And go he did, much to the consternation of his wife and family, who were concerned for his health. “I realized, though, that this was his last opportunity to do something he truly loved,” Janiece admitted. “I couldn’t stop him from pursuing his dream.” When Pat phoned her midway through the hunt, she could tell he was having the time of his life.
Pat’s dreams were realized, and then some. Although his illness necessitated he use a rifle instead of a bow, he not only got one bear, but two! The smaller one was made into a rug for daughter, Jaci. The other was a trophy black bear that made the Boone and Crocket Club record books with a skull score of 21. “The day before Pat passed away,” Janiece reflected, “I kept asking him questions about his hunt during his lucid moments,” as she hurriedly filled out the paperwork to get the bear registered.
Pat Jones lost his battle with colon cancer a year ago today, on August 17, 2009, eleven months after his initial diagnosis. He was only 45. He left behind his wife, three children, daughters Jennifer (Cerio) and Jaci, son Mike, and granddaughter Bella, born this past January, along with a host of friends, family, and loyal customers who miss not only his musical knowledge, but also his kind demeanor.
I actually had the opportunity to meet Pat a few years ago when I went into Ron’s Music to purchase, of all things, a Celtic Tinwhistle. And, yes, we talked a little hunting that day. However, I never would have imagined the tragedy about to befall the friendly guy behind the counter.
Each year, colon cancer is responsible for the deaths of nearly 50,000 Americans. Early detection is still the key to beating this disease. Modern colonoscopies are relatively easy and painless. Personally, I’ve had three, and will routinely have them throughout my life. While Pat was still under the suggested age of 50 for preventative examinations, I’d encourage anyone over 40, or those over 30 who have a family history of cancer, to honor Pat’s memory and schedule a colonoscopy today.
On January 22, 2010, Patrick Jones was posthumously award entry into the Boone and Crockett Club’s Records of North American Big Game for his black bear scoring 21 points. His picture also appeared in the Spring 2010 issue of Fair Chase magazine. Today, the mount of that massive animal stands in the Jones’ home, a testament not only to the wild spirit of the great bear, but also to the resilient spirit of the great man who took it, despite overwhelming odds. In the record book of life, and in the memories of his loved ones, bear hunter Pat Jones is a champion.
Jarrod Spilger writes about the outdoors for The Independent.
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