I just received an email from fellow knife enthusiast, Jim Stoddard, advising of the passing of Bob Jones. I'll attach the text of his email.
Bob Jones was a part of knife collecting as far back as I can remember. He was always pleasant and entertaining.
RIP Bob Jones.
From Jim Stoddard:
Big Blades, Six Strings & Sub Hilts
Texas Bob Jones
A short tribute
I am sure beyond all doubt that many of Bob's closer friends have much more colorful stories of the gentleman, but here's one of mine that at least was captured on film.
(I shot a bootleg video as well).
Below, at a knife & gun show around 2019, his trusty Gibson plugged into a small amplifier, Bob performed a rousing version of "Stormy Monday" for wife Mona, myself, and the enthusiastic, if not bewildered throngs of bystanders. It was widely regarded as the best, albeit only, musical performance of the day, and one everyone within earshot will remember.
The Grammy Committee has yet to respond to our submission.
My engagements with Bob Jones were always colorful & memorable. Although I met him through what most would consider his "natural state", meaning knife trading, I found it interesting that when we spoke in recent years, our conversations usually dwelt more on guitars, playing music, and our early exposure to all that. As with most musicians, that craft meant alot to him, and I was honored to share that enthusiasm.
I knew him as a very knowledgeable, kind fella, who appreciated his friends, and loved to share a laugh. We kiddingly acknowledged that in buying or trading for a number of his big, often sub-hilted knives, I was "carrying the torch" of his reputation for some of those big, flashy styles that aren't much in vogue these days.
I enjoyed realizing early on that he was a familiar character far & wide, throughout the knife community. When I'd mention on occasion to purveyors from around the country that I was collecting Texas-made knives, it was not uncommon for them to venture some version of "then you must know Texas Bob; 'cause he's the man to see!"
As I hope is apparent in my rambling here, I enjoyed & admired Bob very much. His enthusiasm for the collecting of knives & guitars that I shared with him, as well as just his generosity of spirit & camaraderie, will be missed.
May we all appreciate, acknowledge, and stay in touch with those we consider the mentors, friends, and good influences in our lives; basically, as the songwriter Bob would have liked, Paul Thorn says, "Give 'em their roses while they're here."
With all best regards to his friends & family, Jim Stoddard
