Bobby Jones — leader and accordion player for the Bobby Jones Czech Band in Wharton, Texas — has been missing for the past four days. Jones was last seen on Friday evening and didn’t turn up for his Saturday morning polka radio show at KULP (1390 AM) in El Campo, Texas.
The Bobby Jones Polka Band has been a mainstay of the Southeast Texas polka circuit for nearly 26 years and has even made appearances on RFD-TV’s Big Joe Polka Show. Jones also hosts a popular radio show seven days a week, playing a mix of polka and western swing.
If you have any information about Bobby’s whereabouts, get in touch with the Wharton Country Sheriff’s Department.
60 Comments:
I heard this morning that he was found, dead, in the Colorado river… :(
by Bill on June 28th, 2007
This is very sad news. :(
by anna on June 28th, 2007
What’s the latest news? Someone told me they found his body in the rivier, but I saw an article on the net that said they found the license plate to his car 4:00 am today, but no car was found yet. Who’s got the accurate info? I’m not giving up hope yet. Dear God, please let this be a horrible misunderstanding. Give Bobby a rest, bust bring him back to us.
by Sheryl on June 28th, 2007
According to the latest story from KHOU.com in Houston, authorities have found his vehicle in the Colorado River using sonar. Things aren’t looking good.
by Chris on June 28th, 2007
I grew up in San Antonio and was especially heartbroken to leave it because of the WONDERFUL polka music I discovered on stations like KGNB in New Braunfels and KWED in Seguin when about 11 years old. I was not aware of Bobby Jones until recently when I FINALLY stopped being a dinosaur (GIGGLE!), got a computer at home and began listening to polka shows and streaming on the Internet. However, I have found his music delightful and am planning to buy his CDS ASAP. Although they do not know me I want to extend my dismay, my sympathy and my hope (a man isn’t dead until we KNOW he is for sure) to his family. I am lighting candles for him at home and have put Bobby’s name on the prayer list at St. Paul Methodist Church in Little Rock, where wonderful, caring people will be praying for him and for those who await news of him. Bobby, just in case you should ever read this, I may never meet you, but I LOVE YOUR POLKAS!!!! — CS
by Christie Saunders on July 3rd, 2007
I’m sure Bobby would appreciate that, Christine! I haven’t heard anything in the news the past few days — here’s hoping he’s out there somewhere safe.
by Chris on July 4th, 2007
I Played accordion with Tony Janak’s bunch at KC hall about 4 weeks ago— I spoke to Bobby when they were playing there (after we got through)— He was kinda’—-like something was wrong— did not have much to say—-kinda’ unusual–! Please email me with what the latest news is— don’t hear much here in Pleasanton, Texas! Thanks, Stan
by Stan Zettner on July 17th, 2007
Bobby played for my Dad @ Mustang Hall in Hallettsville since I was a kid. Now I am grown and in business for myself. I learned some things from Bobby, make people laugh, make people feel special, smile, have fun and still conduct your business professionally. Bobby was a special person and we were all blessed that he was able to entertain us for as long as he did.
by Ray Lancaster on July 31st, 2007
I was fortunate enough to have worked with Bobby
for a few years in the welding business. We had such a great time. He would cook me lunch almost everyday. (Ribeyes Usually) his specialty. I will pray for him everyday. His happy go lucky attitude justs makes me believe he will be around. If anyone hears anything please let me know. Pam Green
by Pam Green on August 8th, 2007
Still no word on Bobby, Pam. The search is still on hold due to strong currents in the Colorado River. We’ll post an update if we hear anything.
by Chris on August 9th, 2007
My husband, Gene and I are stunned at the news of Bobby’s dissappearance. We live in Phoenix, Arizona and visit in Texas four months of the year just to go to Polka Dances and have gotten to know Bobby and enjoy every minute of his music at the dances and on the radio. I have several tapes of his program from KULP and listen to them almost every day and every day miss him more. It’s so sad that he did not realize he has so many friends. I pray for a miracle that he will appear again soon. He always makes everyone feel so special.
Rosie Giesie
by Rosie Giesie on August 10th, 2007
My Aunt and Cousin play in the band. It is ashame. I have known him for a while. I heard that he was really depressed and wanted to get away. I feel by now he should be found and most likely has passed away.
by Shari on August 20th, 2007
We miss Bobby alot. He was at y job almost every morning, my coworkers and I keep thinking over and over how different he was that friday morning before he came up missing. All we know is that we miss him so much, he use to sing to us on the radio and he would tell us happy grocery day when the truck would come in on thursday cause he knew we hated that day. He always keep a smile on our face when he would talk about jiggles. Only us at the store new who jiggles was. Maria is the other woman I work with that really believes Bobby is just taking a break from all the stress he was going through. We hope that is true. Bobby if you are okay, please hurry up and come home!
by Inez on August 25th, 2007
Thanks for all your stories about Bobby! He’s clearly touched a lot of lives.
by Chris on August 26th, 2007
Does anyone have any updates on Bobby Jones…Surely by now the water has receded to be able to check if there is a vehicle in the Colorado River in Wharton Texas?
by Michelle K on August 29th, 2007
Michelle, I’ve been checking the news online regularly, but I still haven’t heard a thing. (The most recent news item was August 6th and they were still waiting.) It certainly seems like they should have finished the search by now, but apparently they haven’t.
by Chris on August 29th, 2007
Has anyone seen the song of tribute to Bobby in the Texas Polka News newspaper? It is pretty good and shows reverence to Bobby.
by Mike Johnson on August 31st, 2007
I haven’t seen it Mike. Is there anywhere I can find it online?
by Chris on August 31st, 2007
I’ve heard that someone out there knows something but they are wanting to keep it from being published.
I feel since he had a lot of fans and supporters that it would be comforting to know something.
by Michelle K on September 1st, 2007
Chris,
The newspaper “The Wharton County Spectator may have a copy. You can get ther number off the internet
I would suggest calling them and asking them where you can get a copy. Maybe they willeven print it. Some people on the staff there knew Bobby and would probably tell you where you can get a copy of it. They may even have a copy themselves.
Anyone who thought highly of Bobby Jones, and appreciated what he did for polka music and polka dancing,should read it. It helps. If Bobby can read it, it will make him proud.
by Mike on September 1st, 2007
I’ve been a fan of Bobby Jones for many years. I now live in Louisiana but still have his music and share it with my family here.
I have been checking off and on and I still have heard nothing. If anyone has any information please let us know. It’s sad to be without Bobby Jones.
by Lori McKay on September 2nd, 2007
It is just so hard to believe that his car (they think) is in the river, has been in the river since the end of June and they can’t get someone to go into the water, hook onto the car and pull it out. It’s sad.
by Kelly G on September 4th, 2007
What are they waiting on….His fans have a right to know if it is his car or not. Why is it such a mystery?
by Michelle K on September 6th, 2007
I have no idea, Michelle. There was another article about the search in Tuesday’s Fort Bend Herald, but there’s really no new information. The sheriff says the river is still too deep to search.
by Chris on September 6th, 2007
Hello everyone.
I was out of the country when I got the email that Bobby was missing. Now, I’m as confused as anyone else about his disappearance and the news that his car might have been found.
I’ve been asked by the Austin Chronicle to write an article and hopefully shed some light on the situation. I saw Bobby play many times and he brought a lot of happiness to lots of people over the years.
If you have anything you’d like to share with me, please send me and email or give a call (512-659-8952.)
Many thanks,
Mark
by Mark Rubin on September 6th, 2007
I read where the sherriff said the divers would not go into the river to recover the car until it got down to 12 feet. It has been about 15-17 feet for a long time now. A rain upstream can keep the river high for weeks.
I have been watching the river height (google: colorado river height wharton) and click on the first link). It will show you the current height fo each day for a week. The river has already been high for the 2 months he has been missing. It could be months more before the river gets to 12 feet.
Chris, No I don’t know where you can get the song about Bobby Jones online. I tried to get a copy, but since I don’t subscribe to the Texas Polka News(you can’t buy it in stores), I have no way of getting a copy.
by Mike on September 7th, 2007
Thanks for all the info…..I will keep up with this because we , his fans keep wondering what is going on. Thanks.
by DOLLY SULLIVAN on September 9th, 2007
I have a copy of the Texas Polka news article about Bobby Jones. They did an awesome tribute front page in August and the song “Bobby Jones is still the king” from “Bob Wills is still the king”. I will try to scan and post. He is truly missed!
by Lisa Duty on September 14th, 2007
I know the person who wrote the song Bobby Jones is still the King and if you would like a copy, leave a note with your e-mail on this blog and I will forward it to you.
by Maureen on September 15th, 2007
Thanks Maureen, but I just got a copy of it from Lisa Duty (thanks Lisa!). Here are the full lyrics for everyone who hasn’t seen it:
Bobby Jones is Still the King
by Jim Bordelon
(Read with the song Bob Wills Is Still The King in mind)
Well the polka halls in Texas
Are the places we call home
And since we live in Texas
There is no need to roam
We grew up ’round polka dancing
And the girls we love to swing
It don’t matter who’s playin’ polka
Bobby Jones is still the king
Well I can still remember
The times we danced all night
And if Bobby Jones was playing
Everything would sound all right
You can listen to the Dujka Brothers
And the “Ravens” and “Hobos” sing
But no matter who’s in Texas
Bobby Jones is still the king
From the 88 Lodge in Houston
All the way to San Antone
To the KC Hall in Sealy
To a place we call Sweet Home
In every hall in Texas
And everywhere in between
When polka music’s playin’
Bobby Jones is still the king
When you hear the polka music
You dance with a three-step pace
The sound of Bobby’s accordion
Puts a smile on every face
No matter what band is playin’
When the polka music rings
And you’re talking polka music
Bobby Jones is still the king
Well if you ain’t never heard him
Well you just haven’t heard the best
But if you’ve heard his band a-playin’
You know he’s better than all the rest
It’s the home of polka music
Where the bands make your heart sing
But no matter who’s in Texas
Bobby Jones is still the king
by Chris on September 15th, 2007
I would like a copy of “Bobby Jones is still the King”
by Johan Wilhelm Klaus on September 15th, 2007
Johan,
You can probably get the information on how to contact the author of the song, Jim Bordelon, from the office of The Texas Polka News. There number is 281 480-3965. Since they published the song, they will probably know how to get in touch with him.
I have heard people say that he goes to a lot of the polka dances in this area, and that he just wrote the song out of respect for Bobby not to make money.
by Dave on September 17th, 2007
when are the officials in wharton co. tx going to resume the search for bobby jones ?????? surely the divers can go in the colorado river soon. is this some kind of a cover up as to what really happened to him? we keep watching in the papers and the newas on tv but each day no word . lets just get one message across to the so called authorities in wharton ,and thats that we have not forgotten bobby jones and we want answers! we the public and the family of the polka king deserve to know the truth
by virginia chapman on September 23rd, 2007
I heard that what they thought the sonar equipment picked up was a concrete slab. Not a car.
I guess we all can assume this or that but someone knows. I feel he still may be alive. At least I’m praying that.
by Michelle K on September 24th, 2007
To all,
The state hydraulic website shows the river height in Wharton is at 12 feet today and will drop for at least for the next few days.
The divers are supposed to go in for the car at 12 feet. I expect them to go ni for the car today or very soon.
Everyone please watch the TV , newspapers,and call the Sheriffs office to make sure the news gets out quickly. Please post here and visit this site very frequently for the next few days so you can share what you find out. THANKS!
PASS THE WORD!!!
by Mike on September 25th, 2007
Bobby Jones Band played for our 50th Wedding Anniversary in Giddings, Texas in 2005. Bobby Jones is still the king!
by Marvin and Mickey Mitschke on October 5th, 2007
We’ve been fans for many years and always enjoyed Bobby Jones music. We met Bobby when he played at our aunt & uncle’s anniversary party at the VFW in Tomball Tx.
Our prayers are with you.
by Ron & Kathy M on October 9th, 2007
I hope they find the Polka King soon Dam i think they are taking their sweet time telling us about that
by Robert Hilscher on October 12th, 2007
I seriously think that he is alive down in Mexico. A few years back he did this same thing, but was only gone 6 weeks I believe.. The reason they can’t find a car is that when the water is rushing through the river it washes “cuts” into the bottom of the river, as the water resides the “cuts” are filled in. There is no telling how deep the “object” is or if they even knew what the “object” was. They don’t know where to go from here, they keep finding nothing. Maybe this is what he wanted, to just dissapear. Yes I loved listening to him play, but instead of pointing fingers towards the Wharton Law System. They are doing what they can, don’t you think thaat they want to find him as quickley as they can. Let’s just remember him the way he was..!
by jh on October 15th, 2007
We have not heard any news on Bobby and have ran no stories in about two months
Some persons are starting rumors that he was sited in Czech Republic
A lot of folks believe he is still alive and moved way to get away from it all
We may never know the full story
by Mike Konvicka-Wharton Journal-Spectator Entertaiment Editor on November 14th, 2007
I have been keeping up with this story through word of mouth, newpaper and tv news. Where is his family? Why have they not made a big to do about Bobby missing? Normally, you would have seen the family on the news asking for help. But all we have seen is some friends. It makes me wonder if, the family knows something that we dont. My mom and stepdad are huge fans of Bobby Jones and they miss him. Anyone have any ideas about why the family is not more involved?
by Darla on November 15th, 2007
we miss bobby very much..we loved listening to his morning show when he was on….they tried to replace him but there is NO COMPARISON!!!! i tried to order all his cd’s right before he disappeared and i havn’t recieved them yet…does anybody where i can buy them or know of anyone i can contact about ordering them?
by kathy on December 2nd, 2007
This amazes me. It just goes to show how our country can have people get lost in the shuffle if they want. Maybe he is not alive anymore. He would have to take up a new identity and how is he living. He would have to have a lot of cash or someone to help him. BUT WHERE IS HIS FAMILY>
by DS on December 4th, 2007
I too wonder about Bobby’s family…..it doesn’t seem normal to me that they keep so silent when all of Bobby’s fans anxiously await any news about him.
I too pray that he is anywhere, alive and well. It breaks my heart to think he had any problem so bad that he couldn’t talk to someone…….anyone. I will not give up on hope until there is a body. He is my friend.
by Sheila on December 8th, 2007
I don’t know hat to tell you. Anyone that new Bobby knew that what happened should not have happened. I think that it is bad that the sherriff’s department took so long to even look for him. There was acusations made about a lot of things. But the reality was that if it would have been an officials wife or husband that the search would have been faster and that it would not have ended soo soon after finding out that the car they kept saying was his in fact was not.
by Liz Marek on December 9th, 2007
II thinkl that it is bad that I just now made a comment and you tried to say that I have already said that when in fact this is the first time for me on this website.
by Liz Marek on December 9th, 2007
I heard Bobby was found alive and well in NewYork. Has anyone else heard this?
by brian kruppa on December 13th, 2007
I heard today that Bobby had a wreck in NYC recently and when they ran his license they found out that he had “faked” his death here and they have him in jail in NY - has anyone else heard anything like this? Isn’t NY where his sister was suppose to live? I was a fan of Bobby’s and I have never understood how this investigation was handled or why his family never appealed for help to find him. Also, why did his family want his name removed from everything? Even the Bobby Jones Czech Band Web Site says that it was shut down at the family’s request. You would have thought that they would have wanted his name to be remembered - not erased from the pages of life. Seems like they know more than they are telling or have something to hide.
by we on January 2nd, 2008
you all need to leave his family alone. it is harder for them than for anyone else and just because they are not all over the public talking about it does not mean they are not trying to find him, and certainly does not mean they are not deeply aching and troubled. you might consider the impact that these absurd, hurtful rumours have on them.
by L on January 6th, 2008
Then if his car was not found, he must have left in it. He could have ditched it somewhere else…another state, another county …. lol… I dont know…I am not starting rumors though… I am just puzzled and I see that everyone else is too. It is just so bizarre that the family is not trying to find him…. whats up with that ???
by Darla on January 9th, 2008
L - I believe the rumors started LONG ago when he “supposedly” disappeared. The only reason why everyone here is questioning his family and why they have not gone public about any concerns they have about their brother/uncle/cousin… is because… when someone goes missing, the first thing you usually see is their picture plastered all over television stations, “HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?” Yeah, it was on the news a few times.. but then nothing.. the local newspapers would print an article once a month or so, but even that has stopped. Why would you want every trace of your loved one to disappear with your loved one?? Makes no sense… lately rumors have been flying.. he was seen in Czechoslovakia by a friend of mine who has a friend who went there… blah blah.. He was in New York where his sister lived… they may all be rumors… but if thats all we have and no truths… how could one expect anything else?
What Bobby did and what his family continues to do by not going public is very selfish.
Just my 2 cents..
Katheryn F.
by Katheryn on January 23rd, 2008
Bill - Where did you hear that? From news around Wharton and El Campo - there still has been no sightings and haven’t seen anything in the papers that they found him at all.
by Lorri on January 26th, 2008
I was just wondering…was there ever a memorial service or anything for him?? I did not hear of any and I was just wondering….
RJ
by RJ on January 28th, 2008
This just WAS NOT RIGHT from the beginning.
I’m just wondering how did we get Bobby Jones in Texas to begin with. How did he land here? Who was he running from then? Folks in case you haven’t noticed BOBBY JONES isn’t Czech. He can not speak the language and has no ancestry to its people. He came to Texas to hide again perhaps, except this time he took on a culture to hide behind.
The sad part is the Czech people embraced him as one of there own.
Bobby was spotted again playing polka in the Czech Republic. He was seen by a neighbor. They were at a dance where he was playing. He noticed them too. After making a few laps they went to talk to him, he disappeared again.
So…Bobby is now a Felon on the lamb in a different country. Too many sightings already. Bobby your just not that very clever.
That is why the search is off. The authorities know it was a faked death. The question now lies when will he ever be brought to justice.
His family isn’t saying a word because he has done this more than once before. So don’t give me any BS about feelings for Bobby’s family crap. They are part of it now. They are withholding plenty of information about his past.
If I ever see him myself… He better run.
He made a mockery out of Texas Czech Music.
Therefore it is now a personal matter to me.
Bobby I hope your looking around every corner you turn, because one of the corners you turn one day you will find me. And you will wish you’d never set foot in Texas.
Folks! Wake up!!!!!
There is a Sheep in Wolf’s clothing out there.
And his name is “Bobby Jones”.
Bobby Jones is NOT a king of anything.
He’s simply a impostor.
Unfortunately some of you were taken.
Now if they would just release all the data from his personal computer linking him to homosexual chat rooms and gambling sites that he embraced we could finally bury him like he needs to be.
YOUR tax dollars have paid for this investigation finding only the makings of a faked death.
The family is not speaking about him. Really now.
I might be a Texan but I’m not a fool.
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS-CZECHS.
by Texas Czech on January 28th, 2008
Who ARE you Mr./Ms. Texas Czech? Why are you hiding behind that title?
You’ve shown how little you know about Bobby Jones and embarrassed those of us who are really Texas Czechs and enjoy polka music- Bobby’s, the Dujka’s, Red Ravens, CTS, Mark Halata or whoever.
If we walk around a corner and see Bobby, you can be sure we’ll hug him big time and say “Welcome back, friend.”
Our sincere hope is that Bobby is alive somewhere taking care of whatever business he needed to take care of and will be back with us soon.
by Jim & Donna Faldyn on February 4th, 2008
We agree with the Faldyns. To bad that Mr/Ms.
Texas Czech is so full of hate. If you have
something to say go ahead and say it, but in
doing so use your real name.
by Larry Weikel on February 5th, 2008
To “Texas Czech”. Isn’t it great to live in a free country where bigots can make slandering accusations of someone who is not able to defend one’s self? I have to wonder what would drive someone to write such hateful words about a person that they have obviously never met. I would challenge anyone who has ever really known Bobby to come away from meeting him with anything but admiration and respect. Bobby’s ability to make every acquaintance feel that you were instantly transformed to his special “best” friend will be his legacy. I, for one, am a better person having known Bobby. Bobby, may God Bless you.
CJ Jozwiak
by CJ Jozwiak on February 6th, 2008
It’s too bad Mr & Ms Czech who wrote to your website on January 28 don’t have the guts to give their names. I feel sorry for someone who cannot understand that possible Bobby had some problems he could not handle. He certainly does not sound like a fan or that he even knew Bobby and is sticking his opinions into other people[’s business. I don’t know where he got his information about Bobby’s personal problems but it seems to me that should be his own business. Our son was gay and was infected with Aids and died in 1995. I hope Bobby is wherever he is happy. We miss him very much. More power to
him.
Gene & Rosie
by Rose & Gene Giesie on February 8th, 2008
People who write such “manure”, and are too AFRAID to leave their real name don’t belong here. I am very proud to have known Bobby, and will forever call him my friend. If the “rumors” are true, would anyone really care? I would bet that Mr/Mrs Czech has more than a few skeletons in their own closet since they hide behind a fake name. I am not Czech either, and there are plenty who are that have welcomed me. Whatever you want to call Bobby Jones, he is still my friend, and the friend of most on this website. You, Mr/Mrs Czech are the lowest form on this earth! You are the one who needs to leave Texas, so here’s a shovel Mr/Mrs Czech, dig yourself straight to HELL. The King of Darkness waits to embrace you.
Sheila Wrobliski
by Sheila on February 26th, 2008
Okay, I’m going to cut things off here before they get even further out of hand. If I hear any more news on Bobby, I’ll post something and people can comment there. In the meantime, let’s remember how much joy his music gave us and hope that he’s still out there safe, somewhere.
by Chris on February 26th, 2008