James Garvin “Jerry” Stone Jr., 86, was a proud Texas Aggie, a South Texas oilfield businessman, a rancher at heart, and, above all, a devoted family man.
After graduating from Industrial High School, Jerry earned a business degree from Texas A&M University in December 1963. A member of the Corps of Cadets, he remained a devoted Aggie throughout his life, passing that passion on to his children and grandchildren. During Aggie football games, everyone knew to let Jerry concentrate on the action!
Jerry spent much of his working life in the South Texas oilfield industry, running the family business, Stone Well Service, alongside his sister, June. The company operated from the historic Red Bluff Schoolhouse near Lolita, where the former school building served as its offices. The business was at the heart of the Stone family and fostered lasting professional relationships and friendships that extended to the next generation.
Away from work, Jerry enjoyed hunting, golf, breeding and racing quarter horses, classic Western movies, and collecting Civil War relics, rare Aladdin lamps, and vintage glass. Jerry also had a deep appreciation for firearms, particularly rifles and pistols, and was knowledgeable about their history, craftsmanship, and practical use. His love of classic automobiles included a 1929 Chevy coupe and a purple 1956 T-Bird. He met Pam in 1992, and they married February 7, 1996. Together, they built a life at their ranch near Yoakum. Jerry proudly marked their home with a granite monument in the shape of Texas, bearing the words “Stone’s Last Stand”—his way of saying he’d found the place where he intended to stay.
Jerry was a man of few words, but his familiar sayings were unmistakable: “Howdy, partner!”, “You bet!”, “Gig ’em!”, and “Burning daylight!” He could be direct, but those closest to him knew the generosity and love he showed through his actions. As his daughter Janell recalled, he was a good provider who made sure his children had everything they needed, and she treasured hearing him say those precious words, “Love you too.”
Jerry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pam Stone; his son, James Garvin Stone III; his daughter, Janell Stone-Pritzkau, and her husband, Robert Pritzkau; their daughter, Jenna French, and her husband, Andy; his sister, June Stone; and his stepsons, Danny Chreene and Shannon Chreene, and Shannon’s wife, Jillean. His extended family includes Danny’s daughter, Autumn; Shannon and Jillean’s children, Skylar, Shelby, and Ean; Skylar’s husband, Colin Puente; nieces, Cathy Whitley, Audra Garvel and husband Mike; great-grandchildren Carter and Charlie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. G. “Pappy” Stone and Nellie Stone.
A graveside service was held October 28, at Red Bluff Cemetery in Lolita.