James Ander Jones

Strong Yet Kind and Gentle Man

James Ander Jones

James Ander Jones, Born April 20, 1932, – Transitioned on August 3, 2020, to meet the Lord. James was lovingly called Jim by family and friends. He was the son of Edward Henry Jones of Courtland, Alabama and Armanda Theoda Robinson of Leighton, Alabama. Proceeded him in death: Percy Lee Jones, Lilly May Pride, Curtis Lee Jones, Joe Edward Jones, and Estella Swoope.

He received Christ at an early age at the first Missionary Baptist Church of Courtland. After graduating from Courtland Colored High School, James A. Jones joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. After separating from the Marine Corps, James left Alabama for Oakland, California. Where he met Frances Patricia Young of San Jose, California.

Left to morn his passing is his wife of 64 years, Frances Jones, brother Leon Jones, sisters-in-law’s Annie G. Jones, Pat Jones, and Gertrude Mariann. He was a gentle and loving father to his children, James A. Jones Jr. (deceased), Patricia Ann Jones McCray of Tracy, California, Jennifer Louise Jones, PhD of San Jose, California, and Jessica Noreen Baker, DBA of Clovis, New Mexico. Grandfather to Garrett E. Combs, Charles G. Baker II, Allen J. Taylor, and Jeremiah F. A. Baker, and great grandfather to Amelia N. Baker. He is survived by his sons-in-law George Baker of Clovis, New Mexico and Derrick McCray of Tracy, California, many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends including Perry Taylor, Roosevelt Boykins, and Jessie Boykins.

James Jones was a trail blazer! He was the first person of color to be a successful licensed businessman and the owner of a fortune 500 roofing company for over 30 years in San Jose, California. He was the owner of the restaurant called the Sideboard and a Nightclub called the JB Peacock Lounge. He was a member of Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, Richmond C. Marshall Masonic Lodge #15, Prince Hall Rite of Adoption State of California, Observatory Chapter No. 30 Order of the Eastern Star, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion Post #0791.

Three of his proudest accomplishments was serving in the United States Marine Corps, marrying the love of his life, Frances P.Y. Jones, and being recognized and honored by the Korean Veterans Association, Republic of Korea.