James C. Jones Jr.

Deacon James C. Jones, Jr., 78, returned peacefully to his heavenly home on November 8, 2021. His devotion to his family, church, and community and belief in God sustained him. He was a spiritual shepherd and Community Leader. He was a Christian gentleman with a winning smile and a humble soul.

Deacon Jones, the son of Effie Arthur and James Jones, was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY and received his bachelor and master's degrees with high honors.

While living in Coney Island, Deacon Jones used basketball as the tool to mentor young men called the Archons, a Greek word for ruler. Through love, leadership, inspiration, and mentoring, he taught them how to lead meetings, rise above their circumstances, break the cycle of poverty and be well-respected leaders in their families and communities.

In his early career, Deacon Jones worked as a youth administrator and as an associate to Governor Hugh Carey, Albany, NY as an executive Secretary for Affirmative Action and Minority Business Development. He was later appointed Social Worker at the Office of Children and Family Services and held the positions until his retirement in 2008.

In 1982, Deacon Jones was ordained as a Deacon at the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Albany, NY. He served as a Deacon in several other churches and he was ordained as a Deacon at the Beulah Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, NY in 2004.

Deacon Jones spent his whole life working to make life better for others. To the hungry, he offered food. To the sick, he offered prayers and company. To the lost, he offered guidance and Jesus Christ. Discipleship and securing employment opportunities for those in need was an integral part of his Ministry. His compassion and love for others will never be forgotten. His presence will certainly be missed. His shoes will never be filled.

Deacon Jones leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lartharee Gray Jones, daughter, Tennille Jones Pettis, son, Alan Gaines, granddaughters Nina-Simone Pettis, Dara-Lael Pettis, Georgia Ann Gaines, and grandson, Alan Gaines, Jr., two sister-in-laws, Rubye Gray Phillips, Georgia Gray Hampton; Marilyn Simmons and a host of cousins, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Special acknowledgement and love to Rev. Dr. Jesse V. Bottoms and wife Jacquette Bottoms, Deacon Seaton McKenzie and Geraldine McKenzie, Rev. Sheila Butler, Rev. Willie Knight, Carolyn Henderson, Naomi Bailey, Dorothy Singletary, Pat Johnson, Carleton Gordon and wife, Baron Pack and wife, Lawrence Pop Pack and wife, Dorothy Jones, Marilyn Simmons, and all the loving support, commitment and kind family and friends.