Rives Maxey Jones

Born on March 1, 1940, in Farmville, Virginia, Maxey was the son of Rives and Virginia Jones. He was raised in Dillwyn, where his lifelong commitment to service began as a volunteer firefighter. A dedicated student, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University and later pursued graduate studies at American University. Maxey began his law enforcement career with the Petersburg Police Department, where he served for four years before joining the Arlington County Police Department on August 25,1968. He served with distinction as a patrol officer and later as a motorman until his retirement in 1985. A notable moment during his service came in 1976 when he was among the officers selected to lead the inaugural Marine Corps Marathon. Following his retirement from Arlington, he continued his work in law enforcement with the Justice Protective Service for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

A man of deep fraternal commitment, Maxey was a Mason and a member of Dillwyn Lodge No. 315, as well as a member of the Kena Shrine. He was also a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Northern Virginia Lodge #35, and found great joy in his volunteer service as a Deputy Sheriff for the Falls Church Sheriff’s Department.

Outside of his uniform, Maxey was a man of many passions. For 35 years, he played trumpet in the Redskins Marching Band, proudly never missing a single home game. An avid traveler and movie enthusiast, Maxey’s curiosity about the world took him to all seven continents.

Maxey’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Kenneth Swanzy, whose exceptional dedication and skill as a caregiver over the past six years allowed Maxey to live with dignity and comfort at home. Maxey held Ken in the highest regard and deeply valued their bond.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Wright Jones.

A memorial service will be held at Murphy’s Funeral Home in Arlington, Virginia, on April 25, 2026, at 2:00 P.M., and a graveside service will be held in Dillwyn, Virginia at a later date.