John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones passed away on Monday, December 30th, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona at the age of 89. Paul was born on December 22nd, 1935 in Decatur, Texas the son of Dorrel Jones and Julia Bellah. Since March, 2024 when Paul moved to Arizona, he has called the state his home.

To send expressions of sympathy to Paul's family, or upload a photograph, or to share fond memories with the Jones family please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com.

Paul Jones graduated from Decatur Baptist College with an Associate's degree in 1959 and with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from North Texas State University in 1961.

He spent 17 years as a zoologist, mostly at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, where he developed a widely respected captive breeding program and pioneered scientific techniques still used today. His second career was 16 years as a computer programmer analyst for the City of Fort Worth.

Paul was actively involved at South Hills Baptist Church for 55 years and served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was an advocate for the deaf community and a wood carver. He loved listening to and performing music (harmonica and fiddle). He was a naturalist and environmentalist and was passionate about protecting and preserving the natural world.

In retirement, he enjoyed RV travel and volunteering at various museums and Fossil Rim Wildlife Park. He was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. Those who knew him appreciated his humor, storytelling and everyday magic.

He was preceded in death by his father Dorrel, mother Julia, sister Jan, and son-in-law Steve Scoggins.

He is survived by his wife Kay, his daughter Paula Scoggins and his son Stephen Jones and daughter-in-law Barbara; his brother Fred and sister-in-law Cuca; and his beloved nieces Katherine (Paul), Rebecca, Mary Beth (John) and Lynette (B.J.) and his dear nephews David (Kathleen) and Robert (Candice). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Saralyn, Jeremy (Jessica), Jonathan (Sarah), Garrett and Brendan and eight great grandchildren.

Paul and Kay have been blessed with deep connections to their faith community at South Hills Baptist Church and friends and neighbors at the Vantage retirement home in Fort Worth for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paul's honor to Doctors without Borders. https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/