bob jones

last week i paid a visit to old friend in upstate new york on lake george. it's been ten years since i've seen bob, and little has changed.

bob jones served as my father's scoutmaster back in the day and has been friends of our family since. he's an accomplished swimmer who has trained kids who have competed in the olympics and spent time giving me tips on flip turns and the like. he's also an artist who continues creating art in his eighties. for years, he and his wife worked in tandem creating life-like wooden models of birds ranging from ducks, barn owls, hummingbirds, to eagles and falcons. he carved and she painted. and their work has garnered awards from all over the world

their creative synergy as a husband and wife team continues to inspire. not to mention he loves to talk and has the energy of a dozen third graders.

bob jones portrait by r. j. kern, kern-photo

awards from all over the world.
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his wordworking captivates his hands and mind. in minutes, bob carves a mouse just for me :)
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he's also an "r. j."
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the artist in his studio.
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intricate attention to detail demands a steady hand and sharp eyes. when asked if he ever gets frustrated, he said, "nope. it's not worth it."
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one of his favorite creations, a loon in her nest. bob sold the piece many years ago, then after the owner passed away, he found it for sale in an antique shop and bought it back for a fraction of what he sold it for!!! now that is return on an investment that only comes with age and good health!
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nearing 87, bob lifts ten pound dumbbells first thing in the morning and before he goes to bed. he isn't afraid to show off his biceps.
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and he even has an ipod and knows how to use it. on his playlist is music from his era :) and here we are:
r. j. kern and bob jones with ipod