Bob Jones Passed On

[Winterhawk]

Bob was like a Father to me over the last 27 years I've worked with him. Maybe we can keep the XS11 Heaven thing going. Not sure what Karla wants to do yet.

I've did several of your bikes over the years with Bob and if you guys need anything PM me and I'll try to help.

I got the guts tonight to call Karla. It was one of the most difficult things I ever had to do. I found out about it yesterday from Rusty in Topeka. Just talked to Bob 2 weeks ago as he was still pissed at me for buying the 2002 Harley Ultra...LOL

David, Bob's son has always wanted to bring Harley's into the picture at the shop so maybe it will happen. Merriam Cycle will probably close, the truth be known. We'll talk to Bud and see if he will buy it from Karla.

Bob will be sorely missed by everyone.

This comment was excellent and should be displayed for all outside the shop to see.

the flame of eleven heaven now glows dimmer, but brighter in heaven with his eleven

[STEPPENWOLF]

John,I don't think it had anything to do with the wreck,mainly bruises is what he told me and was onery on the phone.
He was about 3/4's the way thru his second book.
My best to his family...a character for sure and an insperation to us other 1100 riders.
He will be missed but not forgotten..................

[Brent]

I, too am saddened by news of Bob's passing.

Glad that I did get to meet and ride with him in Talihina, OK this past year. That is not to be again at next year's rally Perhaps at the Really Big Last Rally.

Brent in GA

[ScottsXS]

i never had the chance to meet him, though i would have liked to. my condolences to his family and everyone that new bob personally, he will be missed...... .

[skippy344]

A sad time for we band of brothers (and sisters)...

Ride free brother Bob...

Tell Delzell and all of the other XSives that came before you "Hi" from all of us still trudging through the rigors of life.

It was an honor meeting you at the Spring TeXSive Rally and buying your book while on the ride.

It was a pleasure riding with you on the Talimena trail.

It will be a blast riding with you again, on the other side.

Keep the Elevens alive there and we'll see you again.

greg

[Bohn Frazer]

Bob Jones

I just returned from Bob's funeral. His original 78 XS1100E "Old Blackie" was parked beside the casket with his favoriet leathers, gloves, and helmet. Bob lived life to the fullest and touched a lot of lives. I told his wife that he will be missed by all of his motorcycle friends.

Bob's shop was 6 miles from my house and I frequently stopped by to see what he was up to. He never was too busy to stop and give me a complete show and tell. Every time I went by there, I would end up spending at least an hour listening to Bob's adventures and soaking up some of Bob's XS knowledge. Bob was a perfectionist and could take a rusty old XS which I wouldn't have given $50 for, and when he was through with it, would look like something you might see on one of the American Chopper shows. He never ceased to amaze me with what he could do. He truly believed in what he did, and did it with gusto. He was an American Original. We will all benefit from having him waiting to ride with us again when we arrive on "the other side".

[fredintoon]

Well, Damn!
Bob Jones dead and he was younger than me, too. There went my dream (lacking only the major lottery win) of sending my XS11 off to Merriams with a blank cheque tied to the bars with a note that said "like new, please."
Even if Merriams stays in business I doubt it will stay the same without Bob's input.
Ride on in glory, Bob!

[skippy344]

Bob and Lewis at XSive Rally Fall 2007

Here is a pic I took of Bob talking to Lewis at the XSive rally in Talihina, OK. This was taken on Friday the 5th of October.



For those who have never met Bob, he's the guy on the right.

greg

[John]

Originally posted by MAXIMAN
The High Priest of Temple Eleven will be sorely missed.

Bohn told me he understood there would be a memorial ride next spring in Arkansas where Bob loved to ride. They are going to scatter his ashes along the highway on this ride. I will make every effort to be there. And I will be riding an ELEVEN.

Cody

I just had an idea...
I have a friend that runs a small graphics business out of his home, and if he can duplicate, or find a suitable facsimilie of, the fonts used on the side cover emblems on the xs11's I could have him make some memorial stickers that say:

Bob Jones
Rest In Peace

The words 'Bob Jones' will be in block lettering like the XS in the emblem is and RIP could be the like the 'Eleven " is. They could be made in a size that will fit on the front fender. How about gold lettering on a black back ground? If anybody is planning on attending the memorial ride, this would be a nice way to show your respect. And if your not going to be able to attend, it's still a good way to show respect.
Any thoughts, ideas?

[mro]

Was not going to post.
But would put Johns decal on my Merriam Special if you have them done.


mro
Never met Bob but once thru the Internet.
Seemed like someones company I would have enjoyed.

[lsippell]

A couple of pictures of Bob at Talihina



Louis

[Winterhawk]

The shop had to shut down as nobody could run things like Bob did.

Hard to believe after 25 years it is all gone in what seems like the blink of an eye.

[TERJE ANDERSEN]

Winterhawk ! Yes, this is very sad. So fast can things turn.
I see that the merriaamcycle webpage still is up. Do you know what happens with all the bikes and stuff in the shop,and all the bikes Bob had at home? I remember he wrote something in his book that he wanted to be burried with his bikes,but I dont know if that was said as a joke ?
I hope his bikes still will be around. In my opinion they are great masterpieces. I would love to own one myself.

[Marker]

Hello,

Just wanted to offer my sincere condolensces to the family & friends Mr. Bob Jones. He was some guy. Always had a great story to tell and what passion for the XS11s. He was the reason I purchased my '79 F...and I'm so thankful. His epertise will be sorely missed.
Also, I'm definitely interested in the memorial ride and like the sticker or magnet idea as well. Take care.

Ride Safe &
Happy New Year!

[KansasXSive]

I only learned yesterday of Bob Jones' passing. I had been very busy since Thanksgiving and had not stopped in at Merriam Cycle or been on this forum during these past two months. I went by yesterday and noticed the shop wasn't open and when I looked in through the window it was obvious it was out of business. I just figured that Bob had either decided to retire, or worse, had passed away. I logged onto the forum to see if I could find out anything and discovered that he had passed away in December and also e-mailed Russ79 and received some info from him.
I have stopped in Merriam Cycle many times over the years admiring the bikes or just to shoot the bull with Bob or Bruce. I have lusted after the XS Eleven since it came out in 1978 but only aquired one about a year and a half ago, a rather nice '78 E. Bob always had some good, interesting stories to tell, and offered lots of tips on working on the XS. I'm sorry to see him go and my belated condolences go to his family.
I had been meaning to purchase his book but have now placed an order for it through Amazon.com. It is out of stock but they said it will be shipped soon.
Mike Giebler, 1978 XS Eleven E