Craig Jolley

Posted on: Feb 26, 2018 at 1:34 AM

Tony came to las Vegas in 1959, sort of took my place at Paradise School in 7th grade since I moved across town that summer.  A lot of my friends like Rod Conner, Ric Scarff, Michele Goffstein, Pam Schofield, Bob Jones gravitated to Tony, a really likeable guy.  
He sat next to me at the back of Mr. Alleman/Mr. Knapp's American History class junior year.  It was first period, home room, and we'd usually get to class early so we could skim the assigned reading in case we got a quiz but usually ended up talking about his main interest, cars.  He loved his '64 Ford, 424 engine, over 400 hp, 4-speed of course, he entered at the drag races most weekends.  Halfway through the year on a whim he bought a 1930's era Ford he also took to the drags even though he'd blown second gear.  He complained he kept losing because of the fallout shifting from first to third.  He liked to throw out hilarious comments about foibles of classmates, teachers, and especially himself.  He knew I was romantically challenged so he kept after me to try my luck with a pretty girl in the class neither of us knew.  Sweet, completely natural, loved to laugh, wonderful company. 

Beverly and I were in the same fourth grade class at Paradise School, occasionally in classes together after that. When we chatted and danced for a minute at the 40-year reunion she mentioned her family, how proud she was.  We were never close friends, but I remember her as serious, quiet, intelligent, a contributor.  I'm sure she was a wonderful elemntary school teacher. 

Posted on: Sep 11, 2017 at 11:21 PM

Very sorry to hear about Quincy Bolden and Jim Gibbs right after the Ronnie Vause shocker. I didn't know Quincy, but was friends with Jim and Ronnie with a sense of what they were about.  Junior year Jim, Ronnie, and I were in the same home room, American History taught by Mr. Knapp and Mr. Alleman.  It is clear military service influenced the lives of all three departed.   

As I remember him from high school Jim studied, followed the rules, sometimes snuck in his dry humor but took life seriously.  He struggled with mixed feelings over his Vietnam experience leaving him a heightened philosphical awareness.  Eventually he became something of a free spirit removed from the mainstream.

The young Ronnie focused on having a good time, didn't much care about good grades or perfect attendance. He came out of the Navy with self-discipline, direction, understanding.  He never lost the ability to enjoy life, but he pursued a career at the heart of the establishment, bought into the American way, waved the flag.  

Ronnie and Jim both succeeded at life but evidence suggests they exchanged places along the way.  I'd be happy to see comments on this from those who knew them.