David Jessie Jones

David Jessie Jones, Sr was born June 13, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, the last of Larney and Alberta Lee Jones's seven children. An active and mischievous child, David rode his bike all around the city for pleasure and for his regular paper route. David would often join his father at work landscaping. During these outings a client taught David how to crochet, a hobby that would last his lifetime.

Sadly David only had his father for a short time. Larney died when David was 15. His mother would follow when David was 21. David's close-knit family supported each other through a difficult time.

David attended Foshay Middle School and Manual Arts High School. In high school David played alto saxophone in two different bands. He would also learn to play the piano and organ. Upon graduation David volunteered for the Army (6th Infantry division) and was sent to Korea during the Korean War. He trained to be a cook and was often praised for his delicious food. He was especially proud of his cakes and peach cobblers. Regrettably, his skills did not continue during his marriage as Pamela only recalls four occasions of him taking over their kitchen.

Returning to Los Angeles from the war, David worked at the lunch counter at May Company and then later at Litton before joining McDonnell Douglas. Determined to work outside on the flight ramp, he joined the Air National Guard to learn aircraft mechanics, ultimately reaching Master Sargent, E-7 in the 146th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

His training saw him hired as a swing shift "Ramp Rat" until he retired after 43 years. In 1997 David's enthusiasm and hard work as Team Lead resulted in company wide recognition for "…outstanding teamwork and devotion to duty putting out a good quality product to our customers." Working nights was a sacrifice to keep the family running smoothly and kept David as a night owl for the rest of his life. It also is the source of his many naps during family gatherings. Outside of work David trained to get his pilots license and bought a small plane with a couple of his work buddies.

At McDonnell Douglas David met his lifelong friend, William "Pat" Kirkpatrick. Through this friendship David met and then years later married Pat's sister-in-law, Pamela Elizabeth Bart, on September 25, 1976 after a quick courtship. Though David was 17 years her senior, he wooed her with trips on his airplane, motorcycle and Buick. She says it was his steady, dependable nature that won her over. He got rid of the airplane and motorcycle shortly after marriage.

Soon David, Jr was born, followed quickly after by Rebecca. Wanting to expand the family, two brothers, Marshall and Dennis, were adopted a few years later. Finally, Jonathan would come along when David was 56.

After Jonathan was born, David could be found at St Francis X Cabrini, pushing Jonathan in his buggy during morning recess. Upon retirement David became a regular fixture at Cabrini, even running an afterschool class teaching crochet.

Throughout his life David was dedicated to building strong men. When his own boys were young he worked with Scout Troop 631 at Cabrini with his friends Otis Tyson and John Roque. He later joined Troop 636 in Inglewood. There he guided many boys to Eagle Scout, scouting's high achievement. For his service he was awarded many of Scouting's highest honors, including the Silver Beaver Award for "making an impact on the lives of youth."

David lived his life according to the Boy Scout Oath of service to God, Country, Others and Self. He was a faithful member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Civic Center #52 and later Highland Heights Lodge #59 in Los Angeles since 1963 and exemplified the spirit of fraternity. After converting to Catholicism in 1978, David served the church as Eucharistic minister.

David enjoyed road trips across the USA. He had a natural talent for crochet and leather crafting, often making gifts for family and friends. He was an early adopter of technology and handy with computers. He loved every Star Trek series, Tom Clancy films and read all seven Harry Potter books twice! But what he really loved was making a connection with people. He was never happier than when he was sitting and talking with friends and strangers.

David was preceeded in death by his parents, six siblings (Willie, George, Larney, Dorthy, James, Eunice) and their spouses and his son Dennis.

David passed away at home on February 8 , 2017. He was a loving husband to Pamela Jones, a supportive father to his children Marshall Jones, Dennis Jones, David Jones (Tinnelle), Rebecca Jones Thomas (Neil) and Jonathan Jones, and the proud grandfather of DeMarco Jones, Bryce Jones, Maria Destiney Jones and Theodore Jones Thomas.