Ernie Jones Sr., president of Yavapai-Prescott Tribe, passes on

Thursday, September 20, 2018  

Ernest “Ernie” Jones Sr., the longtime president of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, passed away on Monday. He was 75.

Jones was a veteran who served in the Vietnam War, according to his obituary. He served his tribe in various capacities, including as its first police officer. He held the president's post for the last 17 years.

"YPIT lost a leader and the Yavapai College community lost a friend," President Dr. Penny Wills of Yavapai College said in a post on Facebook.

A celebration of life will be held in Jones's honor at the tribal gathering center in Prescott, Arizona, on Saturday.

Ernie Jones Sr., Yavapai-Prescott tribal president, dies (The Arizona Republic September 19, 2018)