Drowning victim’s family holds memorial

LINN COUNTY - Just three days after a man drowned in the Cedar River, his family is returning to Palisades Kepler State Park to say goodbye.

Searchers found the body of Jonathon Jones on Monday afternoon.  The 41-year-old Lisbon man died Sunday night while trying to save two children from the river's strong current.

The two children survived… but Jones didn't.

On Wednesday, members of Jones' family met where he died to honor the man they call a hero.

“He loved his kids. He was always with them. Always,” said the victim's mother, Deborah Jones.

Abraham McNelly was Jones' friend for more than 20 years.

“Ask for help and he was there.  He heard somebody yelling for help and he was there,” said McNelly. “That's just the way he was."

While McNelly quietly grieved in his Central City home, Jones' family gathered at the state park. They laid a wreath in honor of Jones' sacrifice, and also as a warning.

“We wanted to leave the wreath out here because the current is way too strong for anybody to wade there,” said Jones.

Jones's children were fishing with him on Father's Day.  They watched him jump in to help, then go underwater, but not come back up.

“I don't know if it's really sinking in. She did say 'daddy's in Heaven.' It may be starting to. She's really been acting out,” said Jones.

Hugs and tears met smiles as a range of emotions swept through this family and friend dealing with a sudden loss.

“I love ya and I miss ya. And you died a hero,” said McNelly.

Family and friends will gather again on Sunday for the funeral.  A fund has been set-up for Jones' children in their names David and Tabitha, at Community Savings bank in Cedar Rapids.