Jerome Alexander "Ja" Antone

CHUICHU VILLAGE - Jerome Alexander "JA" Antone, 63, of Chuichu died on Aug. 12, 2016, at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix.

Mr. Antone was born on Sept. 8, 1952, in Casa Grande and was a son of Martin and Gladys Antone. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School, where he played football, and attended Central Arizona College. He was a member of St. Augustine Church and was well known throughout the rodeo circuit on and off the reservation for his talent of making rodeo gear, from bull ropes to chaps and saddles. He took much pride in his work.

A true cowboy at heart, in his younger years he participated in saddle bronc riding and wild horse races and also coached Little League. He enjoyed listening to classic rock and old country-western music and also liked to draw and do crossword puzzles. Known for his sense of humor, he enjoyed joking with his family and friends. A kind and generous man, he helped all that he could and raised his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. Whether it was rodeo, baseball, softball or cooking, he was very proud of their achievements and encouraged them to do their best.

Survivors include two sisters, Laverne Antone of Tat Momoli Village and Lucinda V. Antone of Chuichu; a brother, Randolph Antone of Chuichu; seven nephews; and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Larana and MaryAnn Antone.

The wake will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at the Lucinda Antone home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 7 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Chuichu by the Rev. Bill Minkel. Burial will be in Chuichu South Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Mountain View Chapel is in charge of arrangements.