August 7, 1934 - March 13, 2023

Russell Napoleon Jones passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023. He was born on August 7, 1934, to Alfred and Azzie Jones in Lamar County, Mississippi. While in the Air Force, he met and married Mary Stella Cuicchi Jones on March 1, 1957.

Looking for work, they traveled to Illinois and eventually came to California in 1958. They quickly entered in the fast-food restaurant business, working alongside founders of local Downey establishments El Taco and Plaza Guadalajara, as well as famous chains such as Taco Bell, Baker’s Burgers, and Wienerschnitzel.

With assistance from Glen Bell, founder of Taco Bell, Russ and Mary started Taco Quickie in 1963. Over a 54-year career, they oversaw restaurants in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Maywood, Lynwood, and Bell Gardens. Their Quickie Dog restaurant was once featured in a Los Angeles Magazine article listing them as a classic choice along with the likes of Hot Dog on a Stick, Larry’s Chili Dog, Pink’s, Oki Dog, and Tommy’s.

The last remaining restaurant in Bell Gardens closed on October 8, 2017. Russ and Mary prided themselves in providing jobs for countless employees, including for a number of relatives from their home state of Mississippi.

Inspired by his childhood on the farm as well as his love of telling a good story, Russ successfully juggled entrepreneurship while working many years as a reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff. Officially serving from 1979 until his retirement in 2001 as a captain, Russ patrolled with his partner, “Buck,” a tall 7/8 Arabian and 1/8 Thoroughbred horse. Russ and Buck had many adventures including 15 Rose Parades, patrolling the 1984 Olympics, and acting as security for dignitaries such as President Reagan, President Bush Sr., and Pope John Paul II. They led countless trail rides, usually with Sheriff Sherman Block and Monty Montana. After “retiring,” Russ and Buck continued to participate in local city activities throughout Southern California.

A private burial and service was held for the family. He is survived by his daughter Pamela (Jeff) and a large extended family in Mississippi. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary; a daughter, Kathryn; four siblings; and seven half-siblings.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a favorite charity in honor of Russ. In recognition of his lifelong passion for horses, the family would like to highlight the following for consideration: W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center. Checks should be made out to the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation and in the memo line, indicate the center and “in memory of Russell N. Jones”. Mail to P.O. Box 3121, Pomona, CA 91769. You can also contribute online at https://cpp.thankyou4caring.org/kelloggAHC. In the “what prompted you to give today,” specify “in memory of Russell N. Jones.”