TINLEY PARK, Ill. — Bob Jones Sr., founder and CEO of American Sale Corp., passed away at his home on Aug. 17. He was 86.
In 1959, Jones opened the first iteration of American Sale called American Toy Distributors. Over the years, the product line shifted to eventually include holiday items as well as outdoor recreation products and outdoor furniture. The company was renamed in 1971. Today the retailer has eight locations as well as a 200,000-square-foot distribution center in Tinley Park.
Among the honors American Sale received was the Apollo Award in 1996 from the International Casual Furnishings Assn.
The company continues under the leadership of his son, Bob Jones Jr. Jones also is survived by his wife, Dolores; two other children; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the National CMV Foundation.
Funeral services will be held at St. Liborius Catholic Church in Steger, Ill., at 10 a.m., Aug. 22.