Denny Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denny Jones
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Jones in c. 1968
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| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 60th district |
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| In office 1973–1999 |
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| Preceded by | Bob Smith |
| Succeeded by | Tom Butler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 21, 1910 Morrow County, Oregon, US |
| Died | April 25, 2012 (aged 101) Ontario, Oregon, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | Rancher |
Denzil Eugene Jones (born September 21, 1910 – died April 25, 2012) was an American rancher and Republican politician. He was often called "Denny." Jones is remembered for serving 13 terms in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. During this time, he represented people from four counties in the less populated Eastern part of the state.
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About Denny Jones
His Early Life
Denny Jones was born on September 21, 1910. His family lived on a wheat farm in Morrow County, Oregon. This farm was located between the towns of Ione and Heppner. His family moved to Montana for a short time. Then they returned to Wheeler County in Eastern Oregon. Denny went to school in the small town of Spray.
Denny's mother passed away when he was five years old. After this, his father moved the family to Crook County. Denny went to school in Prineville. He studied for two years at Crook County High School. But his father took him out of school. His father wanted Denny to become a professional jockey, someone who rides horses in races.
Denny spent over a year riding horses. He rode in British Columbia, Canada, and in Tijuana, Mexico. However, he started to gain too much weight. This made it impossible for him to continue a career in horse racing.
Becoming a Rancher
Denny returned to Malheur County, Oregon. He found a job working on a cattle ranch. He continued to work as a ranch hand and later as a ranch owner for the rest of his life.
In 1939, Denny started a business with his cousin. His cousin owned two cattle ranches. One was near Jonesboro, and the other was close to Juntura. Denny managed the Jonesboro ranch for ten years. He eventually bought the ranch. On this ranch, he raised 400 head of cattle. Over time, Denny's ranch grew. It eventually held 550 head of cattle on 23,000 acres of high desert land.
Denny ran the ranch for the next 30 years. During this time, he was president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association (OCA) twice. This role gave him his first experience in politics. He worked as a lobbyist, someone who tries to influence lawmakers, for the OCA.
His Political Career
In 1971, Denny and his wife, Mildred, gave the ranch to one of their sons. They moved to Ontario, a larger town in Eastern Oregon. Soon, local business leaders asked Denny to run for political office. They wanted him to run for the Oregon House of Representatives. The 60th District seat was open because Rep. Bob Smith was retiring.
Denny liked the idea of entering politics. He ran as a Republican candidate. He easily won the election in November 1972. Denny served in the Oregon Legislature for 26 years. He was in office from 1973 until 1999. He had to leave office because of term limits, which set a maximum number of terms a person can serve.
Denny was a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee for 18 years. This committee deals with money matters for the state. He was also on the Oregon Legislative Emergency Board. This committee handles financial issues between regular legislative sessions. He also served on the Natural Resources Subcommittee.
Denny was known as one of the most fiscally conservative members of the Oregon legislature. This means he was very careful with the state's money. He once said he was "tighter than the bark on a tree" when managing state funds. He believed the state "didn't waste a dollar" when he was in charge of finances.
Later Life and Legacy
Denny Jones was born just eight days before the first Pendleton Roundup in 1910. The Pendleton Roundup is a famous rodeo and outdoor show. Because of this, he was a special guest at the event's 100th anniversary in 2010. Denny rode in a parade in a restored stagecoach, waving to the crowd.
The Oregon State Legislature honored Denny Jones. On May 26, 2011, they declared it "Denny Jones Day." He met with Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. He also met with top Republican and Democratic leaders from the Oregon House of Representatives and State Senate. He was escorted to the floor of both houses for special ceremonies. Denny also enjoyed a chuck wagon lunch at the capitol. Former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh attended this lunch.
Denny Jones passed away on April 25, 2012, at his home in Ontario, Oregon.
After his death, Oregon Congressman Greg Walden remembered him. Walden had worked with Denny in the legislature. He said, "Denny defined Eastern Oregon. He spoke little but said so much. He always called it as he saw it, and never wavered from his conservative principles. His word was better than a written contract."
Denny Jones had many family members who survived him, including four great-great grandchildren.
