Someone a few weeks ago asked how many Route 66 tattoos were on the body of Ron “Tattoo Man” Jones of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
I said it was north of 100 but had no certainty, because Jones was liable to add one any given weekend.
KTUL-TV in Tulsa caught up with Jones this week when he went to visit the newly opened Meltdown Diner along Route 66 in southwest Tulsa.
And Jones provided the tattoo total: 162.
Here’s the story from the station:
And, if you haven’t seen it, The Road Crew wrote and performed a song about him a few years ago:
Jones has traveled much of Route 66 but still hasn’t made it to Chicago. He tried once, but his tricked-out 1956 Chevy acted up during an attempted trip to the Windy City, and he never made it there.
What many people don’t know is Jones is a survivor of the famous Hamburger Hill battle in Vietnam in 1969. He earned a Purple Heart from the experience.
Sandi Wheaton wrote about Jones after encountering him at Afton Station in Afton, Oklahoma, during a Route 66 trip in 2009:
During the short time we spoke about his experiences over there, it was clear that beneath the colorful icons decorating his skin, the man carries around with him some pretty dark memories of that time. About five years ago he was diagnosed with PTSD, and that’s helped him open up and talk more about his wartime experiences. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a Vietnam vet about serving in the war before (again, being Canadian, it’s a rarity for me). I was deeply saddened when, at one point, Ron got overwhelmed and some heavy feelings bubbled up in him when I asked about his purple heart. I can’t even imagine how it must be to carry those horrific images around in his head for the rest of his life. I found myself feeling patriotic – an odd sensation, since I am not in my home country. Thank you Ron, for your service – in all the ways you give it!
The tattoo tally for Jones probably will last for another weekend or so. But don’t count on him to reach 200; he admits he’s running out of real estate.
(Screen capture image of Ron “Tattoo Man” Jones at the Meltdown Diner in Tulsa)
Everyone loves Ron Jones! He generously shows up to all major Route 66 gatherings and poses with his car and tats for all those interested. He is an ambassador of the road! Among all the R66 icoms on his car’s truck is a small image of Viet Nam,” lest we forget”
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Bless you Ron! You’re a living billboard for the Mother Road! And I hadn’t known about the Purple Heart — thank you for your service! Now, we’ve got to get you back into Illinois and up to Chicago…
Very well put, Phyllis. I totally agree!
Took Rte 66 trip in April 2018 with daughter.Had reservation in Cuba, MO at Wagon Wheel Motel. Recognized Ron’s ’56 Chevy in parking lot from Counts Customs. He was there with a group of Rte 66’ers. Knocked on door next morning and visited and got some pics. Daughter thoroughly enjoyed talking with him-what a wonderful, down to earth human being!!! Highlight of our trip!!!