We are re-announcing the passing of Catherine A. Jones, age 82, on Thursday, July 23, 2020, and Lieutenant Colonel Graeme Brodie Jones, "G.B.", of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Graeme passed away peacefully, at home, on November 21, 2022, with loved ones around him. He was 94.

Catherine, born in West Allis, Wisconsin on June 14, 1938, Cathy was well known for her outgoing personality and willingness to take on any tasks to further a good cause.  Friends and family were greatly impacted by having Cathy in their lives.  "An exemplary woman, nothing short of amazing", "Cathy was an exceptional person and her memory to us will never be forgotten", "She was the pluckiest lady I've ever known.  I hope one day to have ½ of her grit and character", are just some of the comments from family and friends as they learned the sad news of her passing.

Cathy came to Fort Walton Beach in the early 1980s to manage a new hotel/restaurant that was being built. During her time at Leeside, she met and married G.B. Jones. Through Leeside she became involved with the Emerald Coast Restaurant Association.  She was also an energetic member of the Tourist Development Council of Okaloosa County, where she was engaged in establishing beach access sites to enhance the tourist experience in Okaloosa County.  Cathy was very involved in establishing the Destin Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.  Most recently she was the Okaloosa Island Fire Department Chairperson and Vice Commodore at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club in 2009.  Some of Cathy's interests included travel, gardening, cross-stitching, knitting, hosting family and friends at their home, and her favorite cat, Squeak.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Roman H. and Catherine L. Pitz, and her brother, Richard C. Pitz.

G.B. was born in London, England. He was preceded by his parents, Hilda Brodie Jones and Russell Gwilym Jones, and his sister and her husband, Daphne Jones Tempest, and Michael Andrew Tempest.

At 16, Graeme moved to Ohio, where some family lived, to follow in his father's footsteps at General Motors. After graduating from The University of Cincinnati, he changed direction and joined the USAF as an officer to pursue his love of flying. As G.B. ended his career with the 7th Air Commando Squadron, he also ended his marriage to Margie Caryl. He retired to his passions of electrical engineering and sailing as a member of the FWBYC. He stayed a bachelor, for years, while raising the last of his children, Melanie. During this time he helped start the Okaloosa Island Fire Department and the board that oversees it. He also met, and married, Catherine (Cathy) Finch. Over the next, almost 40 years, they enjoyed a blended family and are survived by their children, Ann M. Young, Catherine (Kay) Ring, Barbara S. Lowe, Russell Brodie Jones (Debbie Jo Jones, preceded), Bronwyn Elizabeth Lyman (Gary Lyman), Paul Clifford Jones, Melanie Jones Ellis (Kevin Ellis) and grandchildren, Samuel D. Ring (Katie Ring), Melvin A. Young IV (Alexis Young), Matthew T. Young, Philip Graeme Jones, Ann Elizabeth Walker, Neel Brodie Walker, Jessica Bebb Jones, Juliet Rose Jones, Alex Michael Jones, and Sarah Kathleen Jones and great-grandchildren, Gabi Jones, Skyla Rose Jones, Aurora Rose Jones- Diliberto and Madelyn Ring.

They made and kept a great many friends, most of whom have survived. Their friends and family loved them for their jovial nature and wit and their ability to bring people together to celebrate life. For both, a Celebration of Life will be held at Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, on the evening of May 13, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

He and his wife, Cathy, will be joining some of these lifelong friends at Barrancas National Cemetery on May 15, 2023, at 11:30 am. Please meet at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel in Pensacola, Florida at 10:30 am to join the procession to Barrancas National Cemetery.