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James Woodrow 'Jimmy' Jones, Jr. Obituary

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James Woodrow 'Jimmy' Jones, Jr.

Seaboard, NC

January 25, 1940 - August 1, 2020

James Woodrow 'Jimmy' Jones, Jr. Obituary

His Legacy is Excellence…

Today, we pause to pay tribute to the memory of James W. Jones, Jr., who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was one who loved his family with all his heart, and not only nurtured his family, but enriched the lives of many.

On Thursday, January 25, 1940 in Newport News, Virginia, James W. Jones, Jr. was born to the parentage of the late James W. Jones, Sr. and Naomi Hunter Jones.  While growing up in the Jones’ residence, James matriculated through the Newport News Public Schools System, graduating from Huntington High School. While at the school he was involved in many of the activities there most notably, as a member of the science club and the marching band. He played the trumpet and enjoyed various musical genres. After high school he took two years of college courses and then went on to enlist in the United States Navy. 

‘Jimmy’, as he was affectionately called, served in the U. S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 33 years in the Design Division until he retired as an Electrical Engineer. He became one of the first African Americans to work in the Drafting and Design shop in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  While there he embraced his love for tennis and became  one of the First African American President of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Tennis League. He grew into a great tennis player after only taking lessons at the age of thirty-five. 

As life progressed, Jimmy met and married the love of his life Diane Jones and this love was shared for over 39 years. They were loving parents and wonderful grandparents. His grandchildren would often refer to him as ‘Granddaddy Frankenstein’. He enjoyed spending time with his sons and brother fishing and was known for being able to fix anything without a manual. 

James developed and matured into a serious and philosophical individual just like “The Thinker”, who was so serious that he would sometimes miss the joke. His intelligence was evident as he could sweep many Jeopardy categories. Not only was he brillant, but he was also an immaculate chef who made the best hand cranked homemade ice cream and could be found outside grilling year round. ‘Farmer Jones’ as he was fondly called, also had a passion for being a serious homemade winemaker who took pilgrimages to Napa Valley. He specialized in dandelion and muscadine grape wine. He stated, “I would rather give you a pint of my blood than a glass of my wine.” 

James’ family was near and dear to his heart, but so were sports as he had favorites for: football, Chicago Bears; Tennis Player, Arthur Ashe; NASCAR Driver, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and lastly a favorite TV Genre, the Westerns. 

James believed in giving back to his community and he did so by volunteering with the Boykins’ Fire and Rescue Department as a driver and later serving as the First African American Vice Mayor in the town of Boykins, Virginia. James W. Jones, Jr.’s life exuded excellence as he was one of the first African American Cub Scout Leaders in the United States.  

Upon life’s journey, we are given opportunities to plant seeds of good, seeds of kindness and seeds of blessings that bestow our hearts, our work and our being. For those that sow the fields with loving generosity, so shall they reap the abundant harvest of eternal life. His seeds are well-sown; his service on earth is complete and he now experiences the victory and triumph of eternal life. On Saturday, August 1, 2020; while in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his loving family, James Jones, Jr. departed this earthly life from labor to reward. He now rejoins those who preceded him in death: his parents; his brother, Bruce “Bobby” Bell, and his son Kyle James Jones.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. His life and legacy will forever live on in the hearts and memories of his: devoted and loving wife of 39 years Diane B. Jones; siblings, Cordell Trotman (Richard), George “Butch” Jones (Joyce), and Kitty Sharif; children, Ginger Jones, Jewell Jones, James “Jimmy” Jones III, Tatrona Hines (Lionel), & Casey “Jimmy” Jones, a daughter-at-heart, Mekea Grace Bynum; grandchildren, Cosco “Eric”, Briana “Katie-Mae”, Montell “MJ”, Jaden, Jordan-Alexis, JiKayla, Keonte, and Jade; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Louise Boyd (Kevin) and Gracie Glast (Willie); brothers-in-law, Joe Frank Bynum and Joseph Bynum; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Life well lived, a life well loved, The Life and Legacy of James W. Jones, Jr.


  

 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Jones' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. James W. Jones, Jr.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.

  

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of James Woodrow 'Jimmy' Jones, Jr. hosted by T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of James Woodrow 'Jimmy' Jones, Jr..