Jon Jones

(1955 - Present) Algonac, Michigan

Jon Jones was born in 1955 in a neighborhood called “The Flats,” in Algonac, Michigan.  At 17, Jones and some of his friends were already developing a keen interest in water-fowling.  In 1977, Jones joined a local guide named Bill Walters as a first-mate.  Through Walters, Jones met Jerry Felster, a local decoy carver, who introduced Jones to the trade.  Under Jerry’s guidance, Jones quickly picked up carving and entered the Canadian Nationals competition for the first time in 1977.  At this event Jones was first introduced to the work of Pat Godin, Best in Show winner that year, who would be major influence on his work.  Between 1983 and 1996, Jones won multiple awards for his decoys at the Ward World Carving Championships in Ocean City, MD.  Jones also gives back to the community, teaching other aspiring artists who have now gone on to win their own decoy carving championships.