Lt. Col. Jack Rawls Jones Jr., USAF (Retired Reserves)

Our daddy finally caught the transport plane of his dreams to join his band of glider pilot brothers. Jack Rawls Jones, Jr., was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on November 6, 1916, to John Rawls Jones and Caroline Poole Jones. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1934, moving to Jackson shortly afterward, and was employed for forty-two years by the Mississippi State Highway Department as a design engineer. He was a resident of Jackson until 1998, when he and his wife moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be closer to their daughter. In Jackson, he was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Daddy distinguished himself in World War II as a glider pilot, seeing action in, among other places, Northern Africa, Sicily, and Holland. He received the Purple Heart after being shot in his glider as he was transporting equipment. Daddy was proud of his service in the early Army Air Corps. Later, when the Army Air Corps became the Air Force, he became an officer, and was proud of attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel (Retired Reserves). He was married to his adored wife, Mary Hayes Jones, formerly of Byram, Mississippi, for 74 years. She survives him. Jack had a love of history, and was truly a self-taught 'renaissance man.' He read voraciously, and though he never held a college degree, was knowledgeable in many areas, especially history and astronomy. He also enjoyed his short wave radio and delighted in reaching and listening to broadcasts from the tiniest of spots all over the globe. Daddy was abundantly proud of his children who also survive him: his son, Jack Rawls Jones, III (Southaven, MS); and daughter, Nancy Jones McKay (David Entringer) of Baton Rouge, LA. He adored and was equally proud of his grandchildren: W. Rawls McKay, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and J. Slater (Kenissa) McKay of Baton Rouge; and a brother-in-law, Jack Wightman, of New South Wales, Australia. Jack is further survived by a niece and nephew, Melissa Carolyn Dugon and Gregory John Wightman, both of Australia. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn Wightman, of New South Wales, Australia. Jack was one of the last of the 'greatest generation. We, his children and grandchildren, could not be more proud of our Daddy and PawPaw. He fought so courageously through numerous health issues with true grit and humor. He was one of a kind and will be sadly missed. The family would like to thank so many for their attention and care for Jack: many sweet neighbors and friends; the fabulous nurses and doctors who attended to him at Our Lady of the Lake when he was very ill several years ago, especially Katrece Wright; and, Hospice of Baton Rouge, notably Judy Pol and Myrnita Vincent; and the staff at Ollie Steele Burden Manor. What special angels you all are. If you are so moved, the family would request memorial donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge. There will be no funeral service; inurnment will take place at a later time. Thank you all for your kindnesses, love, prayers, and attention. Daddy passed away on Saturday, November 15 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has peacefully entered his final home in the 'wild blue yonder.' Rest well, soldier.