J.D. Jones

J.D. Jones was born in a little town outside Canton, MS on August 28, 1932 to his parents Adam, Sr. and Delia Jones. A short time after his birth, J.D. and his family moved to East Chicago, IN during the great migration to improve their lot in life and gain respectable employment. Affectionately known as Gata, after graduating from high school, J.D. worked for Inland Steel for over 40 years.

Being a practical man, he taught himself how to repair cars and trucks in a time when a man could do without the use of technology and computers. He would do anything within his power to help anyone with their vehicle repairs. Being able to do this and help people brought him great satisfaction.

He was always trying to teach you something and telling you that there was nothing you couldn’t do. He loved his entire family and friends and he was adored by them as well.

He wore a smile on his face graciously, if he didn’t have one, he meant business. He expressed his kindness in subtle ways. Despite his separation from his wife, he committed himself to her care and welfare until her death. He freely made room in his home for his adult children and grandchildren when needed. He was always available with a listening ear for anyone to lay their burdens down. He was always finding ways for family and friends to be together; taking the lead in arranging extended family reunions, group fishing trips and road trips, inviting family and friends to his home for games of pool, etc. He made time for teaching many of his nieces and nephews how to drive, knowing that his guidance would ensure their safety. J.D. loved his music, especially the blues. Later, he incorporated music from various different artists such as The Beatles, Steely Dan, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and Carlos Santana. J.D. was known for dressing well for any occasion. He was hardly seen without his Fedora and a pressed shirt and slacks and wing-tipped polished shoes.

J.D. will be truly missed!

J.D. is preceded in death by his parents Adam, Sr. and Delia Jones; wife Mary Jones; son John Jones; brothers Johnny and Cecil Jones; sisters Earnestine Nicholson and Pearl Perkins. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and caring children Debra (Eric) Alexander of Hammond, IN and Vanessa (Darryl) Sampson of Denver, CO and Maurice Zack Jones of Gary, IN; brother Adam, Jr. (Dolores) Jones of East Chicago, IN; sister Sally Mae Jones of Hammond, IN; 12 loving grandchildren Danielle (Jimmy) Hornes, Eva Moore, Lakia Moore, Louis (Kym) Moore, Dante Moore, Ineka Anderson, Derrick Sanders, Darryl Sampson, Galen Sampson, Maurice Zack Jones, Jr., Andrianna France, and Tyson Jones; 15 great grandchildren’ 8 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of J.D. Jones, please visit our floral store.