Willie James Jones

On March 15, 1946, Jesse and Maud Delamar Jones welcomed and celebrated the birth of a baby boy; they named him Willie James Jones. Willie was a 1964 graduate of Peake High School where he played both football and basketball. He grew up to be a loving, kind, and intelligent young man. On August 3, 1964, Willie enlisted in the United States Air Force. His duty assignment and major command was Medical Group (TAC) where he worked as a dental technician. During his tour of duty he received several decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons they included: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. He faithfully served this country for approximately 23 years, 5 months, and 28 days. His tour of duty took him all over this world, and he made friends across every race, gender, faith, and creed; he freely offered wise counsel, gave generously to those in need and inspired everyone who crossed his path. After retiring from the Air Force, Willie decided to drive freight for the J. B. Hunt Trucking Company. He later drove for Schneider National Carriers, Inc., and shortly thereafter he purchased his own truck and became an independent contractor. Willie lived a great life and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. He loved to travel and could often be found on a cruise liner with his special friend, Carol Ross-Tippin. On Friday, May 18, 2009, after 63 seasons of his life with his sister at his side, Willie surrendered his soul to Christ. Those awaiting his arrival are his father, an infant sister, Mae Helen Jones, one nephew, Rodrick C. Sago, and his grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Maud Delamar Jones; sister, Lois M. Sago; his niece, Monica P. Sago of Rockford, IL; a special cousin, Martha Rachel Parks of Malvern; special friend, Carol Ross-Tippin of Henderson, NV; uncles, George Delamar and Algie Johnson of Dalark, Luther Jones and Tommy Jones, of Arkadelphia, Horace Johnson, Jr., of Sparkman, and Oliver Delamar of Oakland, CA; aunts, Frankie Plummer of Arkadelphia; Odessa Nelson of Delark; Lucille Carter of Sparkman; and Maggie Culmore of St. Louis, Missouri, and host of cousins and numerous friends. MSGT Willie J. Jones will lie in state on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends and share with them the Images of Live DVD from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Tribute will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Houston-Turner Cemetery in Dalark, Arkansas with Dr. James H. Giles, Sr., the pastor of St. Paul AME Church will render words of comfort.