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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.
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Thoughts and Prayers from Desoto County Chancery Court Department.
November 20, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family of our comrade in arms who has made his last flight.
The National World War II Glider Pilots Association, Inc.
National Secretary,
http://www.ww2gp.org/index.php
Charles Day
November 20, 2014
We worked with Jack at the Mississippi Highway Department and truly loved Mr. Jack Jones...he was "one of a kind", well respected, and introduced me to "Crytoquips". He would work them every day, mostly at lunch. Ricky used to call him on his birthday each year. We will always smile when we think of him......
Ricky & Betty Thornton
November 19, 2014
Sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I worked with Jack for years at MDOT. One of the smartest men I have ever met. I asked him one day how he got so good at running closures using a cannon calculator and he shared this story with me. He said that during the war as a glider pilot he had to land at night using coordinates and if he landed on the wrong side of the river he would get his rear shot so he learned to land on the right side of the river. He was an inspiration to all of us who worked with him. I remember when he retired, losing money working, he told the boss he would come to work for free. We have lost a friend but we will meet again.
Robert Mclendon
November 19, 2014
Sorry to hear of you loss. Jack III and I are friends having met him when I lived in Southaven. I had the opportunity to stop and visit with him and Mr. and Mrs. Jones in Baton Rouge while travelling from Dallas to Mobile. I showed Mr. Jones a picture of a Nash car a friend of mine owned and he told us a story about his Daddy owning a Nash. What lovely people. Praying the God will give your family strength and comfort in the upcoming days. Sincerely, Lana McNichol
Lana McNichol
November 18, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Nancy. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie Blunschi
November 18, 2014
Nancy, it's never easy to find the right words to say at such a difficult time...but please take comfort in knowing that you, Dave, your mother and the family are in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Theresa Porter
November 18, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Jack Jr. whose passing is mourned far and wide by all who knew this wonderful man.
Jack Wightman
November 16, 2014
What a lovely obituary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jess Stidham
November 16, 2014
Remembering Jack Jones as the loving father of my life-long friend, Nancy, and her brother Jack. Rest in peace, sir.
Elizabeth Jacobs
November 16, 2014
Please accept our sympathies for your loss of such a great man. Husband, father, uncle, mentor and friend to many, Jack will be missed on this earth. May the great memories sustain you until you meet again.
Pennie Shaw
November 16, 2014
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Nancy.
Nancy Arndorfer
November 16, 2014
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