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Chief Judge Chief Judge Charles Robert "Ret" Jones (Ret)
Chief Judge Chief Judge Charles Robert "Ret" Jones (Ret)
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Chief Judge Charles Jones (Ret) Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Professional Funeral Service, Incorporated - New Orleans on Jul. 4, 2025.
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Chief Judge Charles Robert Jones (Ret.)
Sunrise: September 10, 1944 Sunset: July 4, 2025
A Life of Service, Faith, and Family
Chief Judge Charles Robert Jones was born on Sunday, September 10, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Richard Edward Jones, Sr. and Jeannette Weadd Jones. He departed this life on Friday, July 4, 2025. The seventh of twelve children, Charles learned early the values of patience, organization, and clear communication that would serve him throughout his distinguished life and career.
Faith and Foundation
A devout Catholic from childhood, Judge Jones was Christened, received his First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed in the Catholic Church. He remained a faithful, lifelong practicing member of his faith and served as a Lector at St. Leo and St. Raymond Parish Churches. His deep faith provided the foundation for his commitment to justice and service to others.Education and Military Service.
Judge Jones excelled academically from elementary school through his graduation as an Honor Graduate from St. Augustine High School in 1962, where he served as Sports Editor of the Purple Knight newspaper. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Teletype Operator with Top Secret Clearance. During this critical period in American history, Charles received the solemn notification from the Department of the Army to pass on to the Commanding General of the Military Assistance Advisory Group Vietnam that President Kennedy had been assassinated.After his service in Vietnam, he served an additional 18 months in Germany. For his distinguished military service, he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commanding General United States Forces Vietnam for Outstanding Service.Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to New Orleans and enrolled at Xavier University using his GI Bill benefits. Balancing part-time work with rigorous studies, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree on Mother's Day weekend 1971, making his family exceptionally proud. He then earned a Council on Legal Education Opportunities (CLEO) Scholarship to Loyola University School of Law.
After marriage, Judge Jones demonstrated remarkable dedication by maintaining full-time employment as an agent for Eastern Airlines while attending law school part-time. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in 1975.Legal Career and Public ServiceThroughout his career, Judge Jones championed the concerns of the disadvantaged and underserved. After passing the Louisiana Bar on his first attempt, he served as:
• Counselor in the Orleans Parish Prison Rehabilitation Program
• Assistant Orleans Parish District Attorney
• Orleans Parish Public Defender
• Representative of Louisiana House District 96
• Judge on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal (elected 1992)
• Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.
His colleagues respected him for his principled, legally grounded approach to deliberations and his ability to build meaningful professional relationships.
Community Commitment
Judge Jones's dedication to community service was evident through his active membership in numerous organizations:
• Rho Phi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Life Member)
• Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
• St. Augustine Alumni Association (scholarship endowment established)• Judicial Council of the American Bar Association
• Judicial Council of the National Bar Association
• Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges
• Council of Chief Judges, State Courts of Appeal
• Board Member of the Preservation Resource Fund in New York
• Board Member of the Community Service Center in New Orleans
Family and Legacy
Judge Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Richard E. Jones, Sr. and Jeannette Weadd Jones; his brother Henry O. Williams; his sister Claudette Jones Hills; and his beloved daughter Colette Jones Fortuna.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charlee Reed Jones; sisters Doris Jones Wilson, Miriam Jones Milton, Patricia Jones Amedee, Marybelle Jones Carter, and Cynthia Jones; brothers Richard E. Jones, Jr., Raymond C. (Shirley) Jones, Sr., Alvin L. (Carol) Jones, and Warren A. (Gennie) Jones; sons Bryant (Marilyn) Jones, Sr., Cyrus (Javani), and Lendl Jones; daughter Adriane Powell (Brandon); grandchildren Brandon Goffner (Zahrah), Angellica Bozant, Lamar Fortuna, Jr., Bryant Jones, Jr., Gabrielle Jones, Avery Powell, Jaylah Jones, Eriyanna Jones, Skylar Alexander, Cyli Jones, Jacy Jones and Lori Jones; and great-grandchildren Jerron Jeanjacques, Jr., Noah Goffner, Alani Beard, Derron Beard, Jr., Ayla Beard, Alon Liddell, and Mason Barnett.
A Life Well-Lived
Judge Jones lived a life dedicated to service, love, and faith. His extraordinary impact came through both scholarly approaches to legal challenges and simple acts of unselfish kindness, touching and inspiring all who knew him. When greeting his friends, his ever-present smile and genuine care for others were always on display and will be deeply missed.Judge Charles Robert Jones' life stands as a testament to the profound difference one person can make through commitment to Living, Learning, and Loving. He leaves behind a legacy of Justice, Compassion, and Service that will continue to inspire future generations. He truly epitomized the lyrics of that Old Hymn:
Let the Life I've lived speak for me,Let the Life I've lived speak for me,
When I'm buried in my grave and there's nothing more to be said,
Let the Life I've lived speak for me…
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chief Judge Charles R. Jones '62 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/6IefP0tp_WqEtQeg2WLAmg?t=1752113326
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Joseph Catholic Church
1802 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:00 AM
Parking is available at the LSUHSC on North Roman St.
Funeral arrangements are being compassionately provided by
Professional Funeral Services, Inc
"Families First"
1449 N. Claiborne Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70116
504-948-7447
pfsneworleans.com
Sunrise: September 10, 1944 Sunset: July 4, 2025
A Life of Service, Faith, and Family
Chief Judge Charles Robert Jones was born on Sunday, September 10, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Richard Edward Jones, Sr. and Jeannette Weadd Jones. He departed this life on Friday, July 4, 2025. The seventh of twelve children, Charles learned early the values of patience, organization, and clear communication that would serve him throughout his distinguished life and career.
Faith and Foundation
A devout Catholic from childhood, Judge Jones was Christened, received his First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed in the Catholic Church. He remained a faithful, lifelong practicing member of his faith and served as a Lector at St. Leo and St. Raymond Parish Churches. His deep faith provided the foundation for his commitment to justice and service to others.Education and Military Service.
Judge Jones excelled academically from elementary school through his graduation as an Honor Graduate from St. Augustine High School in 1962, where he served as Sports Editor of the Purple Knight newspaper. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Teletype Operator with Top Secret Clearance. During this critical period in American history, Charles received the solemn notification from the Department of the Army to pass on to the Commanding General of the Military Assistance Advisory Group Vietnam that President Kennedy had been assassinated.After his service in Vietnam, he served an additional 18 months in Germany. For his distinguished military service, he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commanding General United States Forces Vietnam for Outstanding Service.Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to New Orleans and enrolled at Xavier University using his GI Bill benefits. Balancing part-time work with rigorous studies, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree on Mother's Day weekend 1971, making his family exceptionally proud. He then earned a Council on Legal Education Opportunities (CLEO) Scholarship to Loyola University School of Law.
After marriage, Judge Jones demonstrated remarkable dedication by maintaining full-time employment as an agent for Eastern Airlines while attending law school part-time. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in 1975.Legal Career and Public ServiceThroughout his career, Judge Jones championed the concerns of the disadvantaged and underserved. After passing the Louisiana Bar on his first attempt, he served as:
• Counselor in the Orleans Parish Prison Rehabilitation Program
• Assistant Orleans Parish District Attorney
• Orleans Parish Public Defender
• Representative of Louisiana House District 96
• Judge on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal (elected 1992)
• Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.
His colleagues respected him for his principled, legally grounded approach to deliberations and his ability to build meaningful professional relationships.
Community Commitment
Judge Jones's dedication to community service was evident through his active membership in numerous organizations:
• Rho Phi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Life Member)
• Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club
Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
• St. Augustine Alumni Association (scholarship endowment established)• Judicial Council of the American Bar Association
• Judicial Council of the National Bar Association
• Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges
• Council of Chief Judges, State Courts of Appeal
• Board Member of the Preservation Resource Fund in New York
• Board Member of the Community Service Center in New Orleans
Family and Legacy
Judge Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Richard E. Jones, Sr. and Jeannette Weadd Jones; his brother Henry O. Williams; his sister Claudette Jones Hills; and his beloved daughter Colette Jones Fortuna.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charlee Reed Jones; sisters Doris Jones Wilson, Miriam Jones Milton, Patricia Jones Amedee, Marybelle Jones Carter, and Cynthia Jones; brothers Richard E. Jones, Jr., Raymond C. (Shirley) Jones, Sr., Alvin L. (Carol) Jones, and Warren A. (Gennie) Jones; sons Bryant (Marilyn) Jones, Sr., Cyrus (Javani), and Lendl Jones; daughter Adriane Powell (Brandon); grandchildren Brandon Goffner (Zahrah), Angellica Bozant, Lamar Fortuna, Jr., Bryant Jones, Jr., Gabrielle Jones, Avery Powell, Jaylah Jones, Eriyanna Jones, Skylar Alexander, Cyli Jones, Jacy Jones and Lori Jones; and great-grandchildren Jerron Jeanjacques, Jr., Noah Goffner, Alani Beard, Derron Beard, Jr., Ayla Beard, Alon Liddell, and Mason Barnett.
A Life Well-Lived
Judge Jones lived a life dedicated to service, love, and faith. His extraordinary impact came through both scholarly approaches to legal challenges and simple acts of unselfish kindness, touching and inspiring all who knew him. When greeting his friends, his ever-present smile and genuine care for others were always on display and will be deeply missed.Judge Charles Robert Jones' life stands as a testament to the profound difference one person can make through commitment to Living, Learning, and Loving. He leaves behind a legacy of Justice, Compassion, and Service that will continue to inspire future generations. He truly epitomized the lyrics of that Old Hymn:
Let the Life I've lived speak for me,Let the Life I've lived speak for me,
When I'm buried in my grave and there's nothing more to be said,
Let the Life I've lived speak for me…
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chief Judge Charles R. Jones '62 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/6IefP0tp_WqEtQeg2WLAmg?t=1752113326
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Joseph Catholic Church
1802 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:00 AM
Parking is available at the LSUHSC on North Roman St.
Funeral arrangements are being compassionately provided by
Professional Funeral Services, Inc
"Families First"
1449 N. Claiborne Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70116
504-948-7447
pfsneworleans.com
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1449 N Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116
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