'Wise Mentor, Humble Leader': American Sale Founder Dies At 86

TINLEY PARK, IL — A beloved businessman and founder of a retail favorite is being remembered for his vision, leadership and ambitious nature.

American Sale founder and CEO Bob Jones Sr. died Aug. 17. He was 86 years old. Jones "was the epitome of an honest businessman and was born with an entrepreneurial mindset," the company said in a release.

Jones started building his business acumen as a young boy, selling soda pop to construction workers, flags to cemetery patrons visiting loved ones, and then as a teenager working as a barber in his father’s barber shop. But when he got married in 1958 and started his own family, his dream of opening his own business was even more fervent.

In 1959, he opened the first iteration of American Sale called "American Toy Distributors." The small toy company was located in Roseland with its modest orange crates as shelves showcased Bob’s favorite children’s toys and was quite successful, family said.

Over the years, Bob’s product line shifted to his other interests, selling holiday items like artificial Christmas trees and decorations, as well as outdoor recreation products like above ground swimming pools and patio furniture.

With a new vision and new name, he officially founded American Sale Corporation in 1971. The company continued to grow throughout six decades and has become the well-known Chicagoland favorite it is today.

Bob’s vision allowed American Sale to enjoy many accolades throughout the years. In 1996, American Sale was honored with the International Casual Furnishings Association's highest honor, the Apollo Award. In 2010, American Sale was awarded the Illinois Retail Merchants Association Retailer of the Year.

"But Bob’s highest honor has always been the overwhelming loyalty and praise from his customers and employees," the company said. "His commitment to customer satisfaction and his passion for bringing joy to families through the home recreation products he offered were evident in every aspect of his work."

Bob was not only a visionary leader and successful entrepreneur, but also a dedicated family man. These family values inspired his children and grandchildren to join the business and continue to build on the ‘family-owned and operated’ business Bob started.

— American sale Corporation

"My Grandfather was more than just our CEO and founder, he was a wise mentor, a humble leader, a passionate friend, and an inspiration to all of us," said Erica Steadman, granddaughter and Director of Marketing and Customer Relations at American Sale Corporation. "His dedication to our employees, our customers, our community, and especially our family was unparalleled. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to guide us as we move forward and follow his life’s motto of always giving 110 percent."

American Sale Corporation will continue to operate under the strong and capable leadership of
Bob’s son, Bob Jones III, honoring Bob's vision and dedication to retail excellence.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Dolores, their three children, Mary Ellen Griffin, Sandy Jones, Bob Jones III (Kathleen Jones), his four grandchildren, Erica Steadman (Joseph Steadman), Kaitlin Kamphuis (Andy Kamphuis), Jaclyn Jones (Kelly Jones), and Alaine Griffin as well as 6 great-grandchildren. The Jones family has asked for privacy during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/donate or to the National CMV Foundation, in honor of Bob’s second great-granddaughter, Evelyn at www.NationalCMV.org/donate.

A wake to celebrate Bob's life and legacy will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Crete Funeral Home from 3 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Liborius Catholic Church in Steger, IL on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. All who knew and loved Bob are welcome to attend.

Bob's innovative spirit and unwavering dedication helped shape American Sale into the reputable and cherished company it is today, and the family invites all who celebrate that legacy to join them, family said.