Edmond Wilfred Jones
(Fine Art Portraits of Older Adults brought to you by Aileen Savage at Golden Age Portraits)
Introducing Edmond Wilfred Jones — known to most as Bugs — is 92 years old, “going on his 93rd year,” as he likes to say. He’s the kind of person you remember long after you’ve met him: warm, open, full of stories, and always wearing a smile that reaches his eyes.
Born on December 7, 1933, in Louisiana, Bugs’ early life was shaped by change and resilience. When he was six years old, his father left. His mother later remarried, and Bugs moved to Mississippi, where he continued growing into the adaptable, thoughtful man he would become.
At just 17 years old, he joined the United States Air Force, beginning a 21-year military career. He rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant (TSgt), E-6, and served with pride. During his service, he earned the distinction of Expert with the M16 rifle, the only one to do so in his flight of 54 airmen. An achievement at the time and one he still admits — with humility and honesty — that he’s proud of.
While stationed in Japan, Bugs met the woman who would become the love of his life. They met one night in a bar, and as he puts it, from that night on, they were together for the next 65 years. The rest, he says, is history.
They were married when Bugs was 24 years old and went on to build a life rooted in love, partnership, and devotion. Together they raised two daughters and later welcomed two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bugs often says he was simply “the luckiest man ever” — lucky to find his wife so young and lucky to share such a long life with her.
After his wife passed away five years ago, Bugs chose connection over isolation. Rather than retreat inward, he leaned into the world around him — seeking conversation, music, laughter, and human connection.
Today, Bugs is a familiar face at Stoney’s Rockin’ Rodeo in Sacramento, where he goes every Friday night to sing karaoke, meet new people, and enjoy the energy of being around others. He doesn’t drink or smoke— he just genuinely enjoys people. He loves taking photos with friends and strangers alike, and wherever he goes, people seem drawn to him.
Bugs is known for small but meaningful gestures. He passes out little goodies with handwritten messages and his phone number attached, often including reminders to stay away from smoking and vaping. He enjoys performing magic tricks, delighting in the wonder of the moment while keeping the secrets to himself. “It’s no fun if you tell, it spoils the trick,” he says.
When asked what makes him smile, Bugs answers honestly: attention, appreciation, and feeling liked. He laughs about it, openly acknowledging his love for connection and self-expression. He simply says he’s “a different kind of person.”
His advice for living a long and happy life is grounded and sincere:
Do no harm. Don’t stress as much as possible. Apologize when you make a mistake. Forgive — but don’t forget.
Holding onto anger, he believes, only harms yourself. It’s YOU that carries the grudge.
Bugs has traveled the world through his work, lived many chapters, and often says he’s had “a life you just cannot believe.” After retiring from the Air Force, he continued working in government roles before fully retiring at age 78.
Today, he lives with one of his daughters, still drives, and remains impressively tech-savvy — using modern technology to stay connected, organized, and independent. He values staying engaged with life, learning new things, and showing up fully in the present.
When Bugs says he’s “on his journey to eternity now,” he doesn’t mean waiting for something later. He means now — choosing joy, connection, music, and meaning in everyday moments. For him, eternity isn’t something that starts after life. It’s something you live into, one moment at a time.
Bugs is a man who leaves a mark — not because he tries to, but because he genuinely shows up as himself. With a twinkle in his eye, a ready smile, and a story worth hearing, he reminds us that every life holds wisdom, and every connection matters.
Golden Age Portraits
Preserving stories that deserve to be remembered
WORDS OF APPRECIATION FROM BUGS TO ME:
“Aileen, l love those pictures of me more than any others I have ever seen!!! You are truly a professional photographer !!!! I’m so grateful for having met you.”
