Jones, Clifford Aaron, Sr., 1912-2001

Nevada Lieutenant Governor Clifford "Cliff" Jones was born in Long Lane, Missouri in 1912. While he was attending the University of Missouri in 1931, his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. During summer breaks from college Jones worked alongside his brother, Herbert, on the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. Jones moved to Las Vegas in 1937 after he became an attorney.

In 1940, Jones entered politics and successfully ran for the Nevada Assembly as a Democrat. He became the Majority Leader of the Assembly and also served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee before he left office to serve in the Marines during World War II. Returning to Nevada in 1945, Jones was appointed a District Judge for Clark County. In 1946 he successfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Nevada and served two terms. While in office, Jones was known for his influence in the State’s Democratic Party. He was also a successful businessman and had interests in numerous Las Vegas casinos, including the El Cortez, the Algiers, and the Golden Nugget. He retired from politics in 1993. Clifford Jones passed away on November 16, 2001 at the age of 89 in Las Vegas, Nevada.