Albert Eugene Jones

Today we gather to pay our respects for someone very special, Albert Jones. We knew him as dad, daddy, grandpa, brother, cousin, friend, co-worker, and even as Santa. In fact, he played Santa year round by passing out candy, all through the year, to the staff and residents where he lived.

For all of us who truly spent the time to get to know him, we found a strong, intelligent, knowledgeable man. Someone who loved to tell jokes and offer insight and advice on many subjects. Behind that pipe, the wheels were always turning. His counsel was usually right on the money, not complicated, and always sincere. His quiet self was always watching, listening, and analyzing. His creative self put those thoughts into action, as he was an accomplished inventor and an avid collector.

To those of us who are familiar with bi-polar disease and understand the horrible torment it can be for its victim, he stands out as a hero for all the times he fought the symptoms and won. Not much was known about his illness 60 years ago, so for many years, he fought alone. But he never gave up. He never wanted to give in to the family tragedies and failures that haunted him his whole life. He kept moving forward, trying again, trying harder. He always hoped for better outcomes and continued to think 'positive' throughout his life.

His work was his passion. He took great pride in his job in the maintenance department at the downtown US Postal Service from 1965 to 2001. He was especially proud of his title that one of his supervisor's gave him, "Welder Extraordinaire". He received many, many awards and mentions of his ideas, improvements, and inventions. And as an added benefit, he loved that his time spent at work allowed him solitude so he could privately deal with his challenges.

As most of us know, marriage was something that, even though he tried several times, still eluded him. As well intentioned as he could be, his illness would interfere and throw a wrench in the works, leaving him alone again. He finally accepted his fate and grew to appreciate the time he spent alone, thinking about his life, and appreciating the good times. So often he said that if he had the chance to do it all over again, he’d do the same things, because he always did the best he could at the time. He talked about having no regrets and that he finally was at peace with his life.

Most of all, he loved his children and was extremely proud of each one of them, although he was often awkward in showing it. Try as he might, he had many obstacles in being a good dad, the dad that he so desperately wanted to be, and that bothered him very much. He truly wanted nothing but love, happiness, and success for each of them. Many times he celebrated in their successes quietly.

For all of us who truly knew him, we cannot help but feel blessed that he was a part of our lives, blessed that we have known a humble, gentle, and generous man.

As we say farewell to him today, we hope and pray that God has some projects for him. Jesus told us that His Fathers house has many mansions awaiting us, but somehow I think Albert will be taking part in getting ours ready. Heaven only knows how frustrating it would be for him to sit around and listen to angel choirs all day. Of course unless, they know some good old country songs!