Animator Chuck Jones dies

Paul Clinton

CORONA DEL MAR -- Legendary animator Chuck Jones died Friday at his

home. He was 89.

Jones, who died of congestive heart failure at about 4 p.m., helped

create Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Grinch and a bevy of other memorable

characters.

The animator had been using a wheelchair over the last several weeks.

“The work that he has done has literally touched hundreds of

millions,” said Craig Kausen, the animator’s grandson. “It certainly is a

tragic loss for everybody who knew him. But his work can be viewed for

years to come.”

Jones’ drawing career began when he was hired by former Disney

animator Ub Iwerks in the early 1930s.

He later worked for Leon Schlesinger Studios, which was sold to Warner

Bros. in 1936. Two years later, Jones directed his first animated film

“The Night Watchman.”

Jones flourished at the Burbank studio in the 1940s. Along with Tex

Avery and Bob Clampett, he developed Bugs, Daffy, Porky Pig and other

now-classic characters.

In the 1960s, Jones created the “Tom & Jerry” cartoons for MGM. He

founded his own company in 1962.

Jones teamed with Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel in 1966 to give animated

life to Whoville and The Grinch in “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole

Christmas.” Actor Boris Karloff lent his voice to the animated classic,

which has all the hallmarks of a Jones creation for those who recognize

his distinct style and humor.

Jones was living in Corona del Mar with wife, Marian, when he died. He

moved to Newport Beach in the early 1980s, when he married Marian, his

second wife.

He continued to work in Los Angeles, but loved his Orange County home,

Kausen said.

“He certainly liked the beach,” Kausen said. “And he loved to have a

view.”

Jones’ Corona del Mar home was known for its expansive ocean view.

Jones also opened a store in Laguna Beach, where memorabilia from his

cartoons is sold.

He is survived by three children, six grandchildren and six

great-grandchildren.

A private service for the family will be held in the next week, Kausen

said. A public memorial is being planned in Newport Beach in the next

several weeks.