John Bladon Jones

John Bladon “JB” Jones, 82, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Born in Petersburg, Virginia on October 22, 1942, he was the son of the late James Tazwell Jones and Gertrude Lillian Stroud Jones. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. James Tazwell Jones, Jr. and Betty Jones Ridout, who took great care of him as their own after his parents passed away during his childhood; brother, Fred S. Jones; sister, Francis Lee Gearheart; and brother-in-law, AJ Moore.

After graduating from Colonial Heights High School, JB went on to serve in the United States Army as a Sergeant as active duty for three years and then remained as unactive duty for three more years. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service as a distribution clerk and retired in 2000 after many dedicated years. He was a member of the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge and American Legion Post 284. JB was a man defined by quiet strength, deep kindness, and a love for life’s simple joys. JB’s heart truly belonged to the water—whether fishing freshwater creeks or out on the Chesapeake Bay, fishing brought him peace and purpose. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting, and he always had a love for motorcycles, often riding with friends. He adored his pets, especially his beloved Elsa, and took great pride in keeping his yard neat and beautiful. He had a sharp mind for current events and could often be found flipping between various news channels, keeping up with politics and the latest headlines. JB also had a tender spirit and enjoyed helping raise and guide his younger brother-in-law and sisters-in-law during their childhood, treating them as his own. Known for his accepting nature and gentle soul, JB never spoke ill of anyone- he simply lived with integrity, generosity, and a quiet grace that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lawana C. Jones; special nephew, Buck Terrell; niece, Sarah Terrell; sisters-in-law, Shirley Terrell, Mary Archer, and Sherry Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, and special friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Courthouse, Virginia 23002. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, a cause close to his heart, reflecting his compassion for those affected by disasters and tragedy, www.redcross.org/donate