July 17, 2024
Star Wanda Jones (née Romer)
June 10, 1936 - October 8, 2022
Edward 'Ed' Jones
June 14, 1934 - May 22, 2023
Yukon historians Star and Ed Jones spent over 63 years together and both died mercifully swiftly, only seven months apart, in their beloved home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Star was born in Liberty, New York. She graduated from Albany Business College (N.Y.) as an executive secretary in 1954 and in business from Michigan State University. Star and Ed Jones were married on August 16, 1959.
Ed was born in Utica, N.Y. He achieved a B.A. (psychology) from Rutgers University (1957) and an M.A. (education) from New York University (1963).
Ed's first teaching jobs were in elementary schools in New Jersey and Florida.
The Joneses came to Dawson City, Yukon, in 1962. For 35 summers and some winters, they worked as heritage preservation volunteers. In 1963, they purchased Sisters' Island, near Dawson and operated "Yukon Queen River Tours," for many years. They saved two men from drowning in 1966.
Star was instrumental in operating the first tourist office in Dawson. She also managed the Territorial Social Services office. While living in Whitehorse, Star taught business and office management courses and clerked at Houghton's Department Store. Ed taught high school in both Whitehorse and Dawson.
Ed had an extensive career in educational program development throughout the Southwestern USA.
He retired as state coordinator of in-service training for the New Mexico Department of Education.
Ed was also an academic journal editor and managed a rare book store in Santa Fe.
Star's long career was spent as a highly competent legal secretary for law firms in several states. She also was a nursing home administrator. Star's passion for history centred on the Yukon, New Mexico, and the Santa Fe Trail. For nine years, she delighted in serving as a docent at the New Mexico History Museum.
Star and Ed donated their extensive Yukon archival collection to the Dawson City Museum in 1998 and established the museum's Klondike History Library.
Star and Ed worked tirelessly to restore the eight cemeteries of Dawson and developed a database of deaths and burials. They also painstakingly restored and documented thousands of markers. They received the Yukon Historical and Museums Heritage Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Their book, All That Glitters: The Life and Times of Joe Ladue, Founder of Dawson City, was published in 2005. Shortly before their deaths, Star and Ed completed a comprehensive reference book on Yukon history.
They took pride in helping family, friends, and animals. Star and Ed were devoted members of the Yukon Order of Pioneers and The Pioneer Women of the Yukon.
Star and Ed are survived by nieces, nephews, Star's sister, June, as well as cherished friends.
A memorial service was held in Santa Fe in 2023.
A further service will take place on July 19, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at the Dawson City Museum, with interment in the Y.O.O.P. Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Dawson City Museum, or Heart and Soul Animal Shelter in Santa Fe.
For further information, please contact: archivesguyredlake1926@gmail.com
Service Details
1:30 PM