Rodney Jones

PEORIA, AZ—Rodney Jones, “Rod,” 53, of Peoria, AZ, formerly of Custer Park, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021 at his home.
Rod was born Sept. 22, 1967 in Saint Charles, IL and was raised and educated in Wilmington. On Sept. 20, 1986, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Melissa Cantrell in Wilmington.
Rod was a self-made man, who started his own company, Superior Mechanical, in his backyard in 2001. He grew his company beyond anyone’s expectations through sheer determination and a work ethic that was second to none. Rod was a true “MacGyver” who was never presented with a problem he couldn’t fix or “modify.” His success professionally allowed for him and his family to live a blessed life and gave him the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. Rod played as hard as he worked and was an adrenaline junkie that enjoyed fast cars and collecting automobiles.
Rod had a larger-than-life personality who never met a stranger and had the ability to talk to anyone. He owned any room that he walked into, but his bark was certainly worse than his bite. Rod had a great sense of humor and was always trying to help those who were downtrodden. He had a hard time showing those he was closest with how much he loved them, but he was a generous and loving brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. Rod’s greatest achievement was his marriage of 34 years to Judy and raising his Baby Girl, Madison.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Jones, of Peoria, AZ; one daughter, Madison Jones; one brother and one sister, Robert (Cindy) Jones, of Marengo, IL and Cassandra (Gary) Bock, of Chicago; two sisters-in-law, Diane (Larry) Mandrachia, of Toms River, NJ and Debbie Hansen (fiancé Tony Bruno), of Wilmington; nieces and nephews: Matt and Sydney Bock, Bella Jones, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Larry John Mandrachia, and Megan Hansen; several cousins, his close friends: DJ “Daddy O” Smith, Aaron “Kid” Bargo, Shawn Mitchell, Doug Day, Jason Ohly, Ken Kennedy, Rich Blaha, Brian Brown and countless others; and his four legged companions: Hoss “Blockhead,” Hannah “Bones” and Filo.
Rod was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ernie “Grumps” Carter and Audrey “Granny” Carter, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, John Clarence Cantrell and Deloris Cantrell.
The family will receive friends for a visitation Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Rd. in Wilmington from 12 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 5 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral services.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Rod’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com
Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.