Rudolph "Rudy" Jones

Rudolph “Rudy” Jones of Portland, CT, was born October 1st, 1938, and passed away November 28th, 2025. He was raised in Detroit by his mother, the late Lillian Andrews Boothes, and his stepfather, the late Jimmie Boothes. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 25 years, Hope (McCarthy) Jones. He is survived by his children Glynis Blanker and her husband Walter, Monica Jenkins and her husband Clifford, and his son Kieran Jones. He was the proud grandfather of Olivia Jenkins, Noah Jenkins, and Leonelle Jones, each of whom he cherished deeply.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mattie Jobe and her husband David, as well as by his niece, Ladonna Jobe and nephew Dana Jobe.

Rudy is also survived by his former wife Gwendolyn L. Jones, mother of his children who supported him throughout his military career. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who will remember him with love.

Rudy embraced the Baha’i Faith in his twenties while living in Hawaii. Baha’is are followers of Bahá’u’lláh and in the words of his son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “To be a Bahá’í simply means to love all the world; to love humanity and try to serve it; to work for universal peace and universal brotherhood.”

Rudy enjoyed a distinguished military career. He began his service as an enlisted man in 1958 and, in 1968 served in Vietnam as 
a medic embedded with a MASH unit in Chu Lai. On weekends, he 
and the unit’s doctors brought supplies, medicines and cared for the children and elderly residents living in Viet Cong controlled areas. In 
July 1972 Captain Jones was awarded a commission as an Ensign in 
the Medical Service Corps. Over the course of 38 dedicated years of service, Rudy rose to the rank of United States Navy Captain and retired from the Pentagon in August 1995.

During his career he earned a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, a Master of Science in Management with an emphasis in financial management from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from the George Washington University, and an Associate of Arts in Science from Palomar College. A highly decorated officer, his honors included the Legion of Merit Medal—one of the nations highest non-combat awards–and authorization to wear the 
Joint Chiefs of Staff badge. Among the most notable accomplishments was overseeing the final construction phases of the U.S.S. Mercy and 
the U.S.S. Comfort, each a 1,000-bed hospital ship, as well as continuing the development of the fleet hospital program. After moving to CT, he served as Executive Officer of the Naval Hospital in Groton, CT. Throughout his career he was admired for his leadership abilities, his unexcelled personal integrity, total dedication and enthusiasm.

In 1995, Rudy joined the State of CT as Director of Human Resources for the Department of Social Services, a role in which he served for 10 years before retiring at age 70.

As a youth after high school graduation he had a genuine curiosity about religion and was drawn to the Baha’i concept of the oneness of humanity, believing that there is only one God for everyone. After becoming a Baha’i he spent his life actively engaged with the Baha’i community. Rudy served on the Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly of Ledyard, CT, for many years, started the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Mariana Islands, and most recently served on the Area Teaching Committee in CT. Throughout his life he championed the principle of the brotherhood of humanity, contributing to the Multicultural Coalition of Southeast Connecticut and with a chapter of the Healing of Racism group. He was also a member of the NAACP, speaker at the Portland, CT Juneteenth, and presenter at several Portland Interfaith gatherings.

Rudy was a true lover of people, always ready for a warm conversation, an avid tennis player, a football enthusiast, and a passionate singer in both the Baha’i choirs and the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords—looking especially distinguished in his tuxedo.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to Captain Rudolph Jones, USN, Ret.

Family and friends may visit Church and Allen Fun

eral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich on Thursday, December 4th from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will immediately follow at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Turnpike, Norwich. A repast will follow at Holiday Inn, 10 Laura Blvd., Norwich across from the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.