Ron (RJ) Dugone Bio
![]() FIRST THINGS:
At NU I was known as "Ron Due Gone." My nickname is "RJ" and my last name is actually pronounced "Due-Go-Nay." It is an Italian surname. So, if you ever have occasion to hang out with me and you hear someone across the room yell, "Hey, RJ Due-Go-Nay!" You will now know that they are talking about me. EARLY LIFE: Born in Oklahoma, but, moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho when I was very young. My parents were Believers and I was a part of a small Assembly of God Church. (The infamous "Pink Church") Mom played the piano and Dad led the singing, so my indoctrination into singing and worship occurred very early on. Life was good--and Church was at the center of our families' activities. "Yes," we went to "Fellowship Meetings" and "C.A. Rallies." I spent most of my summer months with my Grandparents in Ft. Worth, Texas--so, the Longhorn state has always felt like a second home. NORTHWEST EXPERIENCE: There was one drawback to being raised in Idaho Falls, it was Mormon country--meaning, I was always a cultural outsider at school. When I went to NU there was no stigma with being a Christian, and there were a lot of Christian young women. (I ended up marrying one of the young women--smartest thing I ever did!) At NU I was a part of Choralons, traveled on a couple of PR Teams and was a member of the first soccer team NU fielded. I was not a great student when I arrived at NU*; but during my time there, I began to mature. Many of my professors were brilliant and the subject matter was stimulating. By the time I completed my degree--I was a fairly good student and ready to take on life. BEYOND NORTHWEST: When I went to NW I was not planning to go into "The Ministry." I saw myself as Political Science Major, and took every course that Dr. LeRoy Johnson taught in that pursuit. My heart changed at NW and I ended up feeling a call from God to be a pastor. So, that is what I've been doing. The quick version: I spent a couple of years in Porterville, CA, as a youth pastor. Was the Senior Pastor of my home church in Idaho Falls for 9 years. Moved the family to Texas to live on a ranch that has been in our family since 1877. I am currently the lead pastor of a church plant called "Believers Church." |
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
I married Jody Harris in July of 1975. Along the way we had two children. Gina Frank is our oldest, she married Erick Frank, and has blessed us with 3 beautiful grandchildren. Gina is one of those amazing people, who is beautiful, but totally oblivious to the fact. She was the captain of her High School's girl's basketball team (which went to state), and was the Home Coming Queen her Senior year. Gina and her family attend our Church and are a real blessing and encouragement to Jody and me. (Both Gina and her husband participate on our worship team. Gina as a singer and Erick as our drummer) Our son, Michael Dugone is now officially, Dr. Michael Dugone. Michael was the valedictorian of his class, attended University of Texas where he completed his Pharmacy D degree. He now works for the Scott & White system of Hospitals. (Michael was also the starting quarterback and captain of his High School's basketball team) Michael and his wife, Elisha also attend Believers Church and are leading the Worship Team. Jody has been working for the US Postal Service as a rural route carrier for many years. She is closing in on retirement. She is also an incredible Pastor's wife. She has been the perfect partner in ministry. She is deeply committed to God--empathetic towards people--supportive to her husband--and a general help to everyone. She really is amazing! * Dr. Dan Pecotta pulled me aside after class one day and spoke the following words to me: "Mr. Dugone, you have proven to be an academic disappointment to me. I have a short piece of advice to give you, 'try harder!'" Of course, he was 100% correct and I did try harder.
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My Family Through the Years: |
CURRENT: If you want to know what I'm thinking...which could prove to be dangerous, you can check out my devotionals at the following blog. http://thedisciplestrack.blogspot.com/
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