“He is an amazing person and truly an asset to this community.”
After decades of service in public safety and tribal leadership, Jon Huey could have coasted into retirement. Instead, the former Yavapai-Apache police chief and Yavapai-Apache Nation chairman accelerated into a new chapter – this time, under the hood.
Three years ago, he opened Huey Automotive in Rimrock, a full-service repair garage that has quickly earned a reputation for quality work and neighborly service. With six bays, three technicians and two office staff members, Huey is devoted to the nuts and bolts of small-business ownership, helping Verde Valley residents stay safely on the road.
“I get to interact with people I would not meet otherwise,” he said. “All credit goes to my three awesome technicians and my daughter, Amiyah, who works at the shop periodically. I don’t know how to explain it, but vehicles are so complex these days.”
Born Apache, Huey was adopted as a baby. His mother, Donna Huey, shared how she and her late husband, Harold, cared for Jon on and off until he was a year old – then made the adoption official.
“Jon had this strong sense of learning,” she added. “Growing up, he did very well in school and was very focused on every task before him. He had a great relationship with his father and sisters. He got along with everyone.”
While Jon didn’t grow up on the reservation, his connection to his Native identity remained strong. “We kept Jon enrolled in the tribe and he knows who his biological parents and siblings are,” Donna said.
Huey is grateful for the family who raised him. “I got pretty lucky,” he said. “My family took really good care of me.”
Family remains central to Huey’s life. Married to Desiree, who he met through law enforcement, he is a father of five and a grandfather of one. His youngest child, Stormy, age 7, is also adopted.
Desiree works for the Yavapai-Apache Tribe in the Attorney General’s Office and is of Yavapai-Apache and Hopi descent. The couple frequently travels to Second Mesa to visit her family.
Huey’s appointment as chairman of the Yavapai-Apache Nation stands as a defining moment in his life. “I was very blessed to be selected by my peers,” he said. “It is the highest position and holds a huge responsibility. Even though I did not grow up on the reservation, there was trust in me. It was the high point in my life and sometimes I think I would consider running again. I miss the people, the projects and all the things you can do for the community.”
That commitment to service continues today. “Mr. Jon Huey has long been a dedicated servant to the Yavapai-Apache Nation – as a tribal leader, law enforcement officer and mentor,” said Yavapai-Apache Chairwoman Tanya Lewis. “His transition into a successful small business owner in the Verde Valley is a reflection of his resilience, leadership and unwavering commitment to our community. Jon continues to uplift others through his work, contributing not only to the local economy but to the cultural and spiritual strength of our Nation.”
When he’s not running the shop, Huey stays active as a softball coach. “I coach Little League and high school softball,” he said. “Stormy just had a competition and came in second place. It was the Little League Tournament of Champions in Chino Valley.”
Camp Verde resident Kevin Clawson praised Huey’s character and community presence.
“I’ve known Jon for a pretty long time,” Clawson said. “The thing that stands out to me about Jon is that he always has a smile on his face. He’s always interested in what you have to say and never talks negatively about anyone. He is an amazing person and truly an asset to this community.”
Huey, now 46, said his greatest achievement is his family. “I’ve had a lot of good careers, but I have great children. I love being with them.”
After graduating from Camp Verde High School, Huey worked briefly with his father in Dewey, then attended Scottsdale Community College before entering law enforcement.
Today, Huey Automotive offers a range of services, including oil changes, wheel alignments, transmission work, diagnostics and heating and air conditioning repair.
“Working with Jon has been a great experience,” said shop manager Jason Harding. “He is such a people person and makes us feel appreciated. He treats us equally. Jon cares about family and if we need time off, there are no questions asked. We have lunch together every Friday. He’s great with our customers and makes them feel comfortable. We are in our third year with the shop now and doing great. So glad to be here and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Huey Automotive is located at 3716 E. Beaver Creek Road in Rimrock. For service, call 928-567-2752.
Moment Of Nostalgia
Anytime I hear George Strait and country music from the 1980s. It just brings back so many memories, especially when my dad used to play in a country band.
Superstitions
There’s Native folklore about owls, eagles, coyotes and creatures that cross your path at night. My wife gets a little superstitious sometimes and I’m a little more laid back.
Favorite Course
Criminal investigation. I got to learn about cybercrimes, white-collar crimes and homicide investigation. I found that really interesting, especially stuff about the Internet and the web.
Vacation Destination
Italy. I’ve never been there, but it looks beautiful.
Guilty Pleasure
Sleeping in too late. I’m a pretty early riser, but now that I’m getting older, it is nice to sleep in sometimes. It’s nice but I do feel guilty. VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Three years ago, former Yavapai-Apache Chairman Jon Huey opened Huey Automotive in Rimrock, after a career in law enforcement – from animal control to chief of police.
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