James A. Jones II

During the early morning of Friday, March 6, 2009, the Lord was listening to the Heavenly choir and felt a member was missing. He looked down to earth and called home His child, Deacon Emeritus James Arthur Jones II of 3900 Dupuy Road, Ettrick, VA.

Deacon Emeritus James A. Jones II was born on December 14, 1919 to the late James Jones and Hattie Jones Roane in Chesterfield County, Va.

On August 18, 1946, he married Mollie Lee Branch. She preceded him in death on November 15, 1983. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Levi, and stepfather, Curtis Roane.

He received his early education in Newport News, VA at Booker T. Washington Elementary and Huntington High School until the 11th grade. He finished his secondary education at the Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia, NC. Education was a very part of his life. At the age of 52, Deacon Jones returned to school to further his education at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). He graduated in 1977, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education. Deacon Jones passed on his knowledge and the important of education not only to his family, but the young men he met in the Big Brothers program and his students in the Dinwiddie County School system until his retirement in 1984.

Deacon Jones served his country as soldier in the United States Army. He was a Military Police Officer from 1944-1946. He reenlisted in 1950, as an Assistant Mess Sergeant and retired in 1970, as a Sergeant First Class. His military profession was in Food Service serving as Instructor, Cook and Advisor for which he received various awards. During his military career, he served tours of duty in Vietnam, Korea, France, Germany, and various places in the United States.

Deacon Jones accepted Christ at an early age of eight at Trinity Baptist Church in Newport News, VA. After his military service, he returned to his church home, Shiloh Baptist Church, Chesterfield County, VA. As a member, he has served as Treasurer, Pianist for the Sanctuary and Male Choirs, Superintendent of the Sunday school, and Director of Vacation Bible School. He sang with the Male and Sanctuary choirs until his health declined. He was a member of the 60 Plus Ministry and honored as Father of the Year and Man of the Year. He was ordained a Deacon in March 4, 1973, under Rev. Charles McElroy, Sr. and became Deacon Emeritus in 2006 under Rev. Robert Dortch. He was a honorary member of the Community Independent Methodist Church Male Chrous.

He developed a love of music by the age of nine. He learned to play the trumpet, drums, and piano. Deacon Jones was the founder of many singing groups: the Awakening Echoes, the Gospel Angelettes, and Kim and the Jubilees. His love of God and music allowed him to share his talent. He served as musician for various church choirs in the area – Peterson Memorial Choir (Peterson-Hicks Mass Choir) at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA, the Prince George Gospel Ensemble, Union Branch Baptist Church Male Chorus and the Community Independent Methodist Church Male Chorus both in Chesterfield County, VA.

Deacon Jones truly loved and cherished his family. He leaves to cherish his memory, six children, Shirley Young of Hampton, VA, Joyce B. Harris, Deacon James A. Jones III, Michael F. Jones, and Phyllis Washington all of Chesterfield County, VA, and Charmaine Jordan of Petersburg, VA; two daughters-in law, Cheryl and Ruby Jones both of Chesterfield County, VA; three sons-in law, Charles Harris and Theodore Washington both of Chesterfield County, VA and Leon Jordan of Petersburg, VA. Deacon Jones is survived by 16 grandchildren, Sherri Holley, Kim Jones, Hattie Jones, Stephanie Young-Bland, Patricia Jones, Kenneth Jones (Pauline), Mitchell Jones, Christopher Jones (Cherae), Sebrenna Young, Cilvia Jones (Freddie), Tamara Jones, LaTanya Harris, Candace Washington, Charmara Washington, Carlton Harris and Khadijah Whitfield; 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; four sisters-in law, Lottie Mae Stephenson of Petersburg, VA, Arminta Spruill of Chesapeake, VA, Loretta Joyner of Conway, NC and Martha Clarke of Rich Square, NC.; one brother-in-law, Randolph Harris of New York, NY a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends; two devoted, Hilda Trent of Chesterfield County, VA and Jean Kates of Ettrick, VA.

Special thanks to very devoted friend, Corbett Beverly, the Nursing staff at Colonial Heights Health Care Center, Odyssey Hospice Center and Debra Bonner at the Bank of McKenney (Matoaca Branch).

Home going services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 6711 Hickory Road, Petersburg, VA. The Rev. Marcus N. Leggett, Officiating. Interment will follow at the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the funeral establishment.

The family will also receive friends at the residence and may be contacted by calling the following numbers: (804) 721-6484, (804) 926-4991 or (804)526-9276.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Deacon Jones online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.