Ronald Jones

2008 inductee

Ron Jones was born and raised in Union City and was a member of the class of 1958. As a young man in Union City he held various jobs at Grant's Groceries, Gates' Drug Store, and Wilkin's Pennzoil Station. After graduation, Ron realized the opportunities Union City's lumber heritage presented, so he and his fellow classmate, Carl Brown, headed to Memphis, TN, to attend the National Hardwood Lumber Inspection School. Dr. Ledger provided the loan for Ron to attend school with the promise to pay back the loan when he was financially stable. Ron made good on the loan and has never looked back.

Ron began his career working for sawmills in Jamestown and Ellicotville, NY. Tri-State Hardwoods (American Lumber Company) hired Ron and he became the youngest lumber buyer, traveling sawmills and procuring the lumber for the Tri-State yards. Eventually, Ron moved up the ranks becoming vice-president, president, and part owner of the largest hardwood lumber operation in the Northern U.S. After American Lumber was sold in 1983 Ron decided it was time to start his own lumber company with the sales office located in the train depot of Union City.

In 1992, Ron founded Jones Hardwood, a lumber concentration yard in Franklin. His first business, Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, is currently celebrating its 25th year in business. Ron is very active in the community also, generously donating his time and finances to both the school district and local organizations. He has been a member of the Union City Lion's Club and the Union City School Board. He was at one time the Director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association and was a founding member of the Union City Community Foundation. Ron was also named Union City Citizen of the Year in 1992. We thank Ron for his successful business career and contribution to the Union City community and warmly welcome him to the Wall of Achievement.