York F. Jones Collection

York Jones was born May 28, 1925 and raised on a cattle and sheep ranch near Cedar City. He went to Cedar High School where he played football and won the State Championship in 1941. York joined the Army Air Corps in 1943, and received his silver wings as a pilot on March 11, 1945. He attended Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, was yearbook editor, and graduated with an Associate Degree in Engineering.

On December 21, 1946, he married Evelyn Kunz. York Jones began his career by opening his own photoengraving shop, and then went on to work in the engineering department of Utah Construction Company in 1951.

In 1959 he was made Mine Superintendent, and in 1974, was promoted to Mine Manager. Jones has held many positions in professional organizations including: board member of the Utah Tax Payers Association, member of the Utah Mining Association, board member of the Utah Safe Drinking Water Association, Chairman of the B.L.M. Advisory Board, member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, President of the Iron County Historical Society, President of the Cedar City Rotary Club, and President of the Cedar City Kiwanis Club. After 33 years with Utah Construction and Mining Co., he retired, but still spent ten years as a consultant for the company.

While working as a mine manager, Jones went to night school to learn the art of woodworking. His wood creations have won many awards, including the Grand Prize at the Utah State Fair. York was an involved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and has served in many capacities including Bishop and member of the High Council.

York and his wife, Evelyn, have collaborated to write three books about Cedar City and their family history. In 1982, York and Evelyn were honored for "Dedicated Years of Historical Research" and received the "Distinguished Service Award" from Southern Utah University in 2001. York passed away in 2008.