Jay Fredrick Jones

Born in June 1937 in Mason City, Iowa to Julian W. and Mary Elizabeth Ferguson Jones, Jay was their only child and a source of deep pride and joy. Jay spent his early years in Iowa and later in Ft Worth, TX. He attended Laneri High School in Fort Worth—a formative experience creating life long friendships and a love of learning.

Jay graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1959 with honors in mechanical engineering, a field that suited his sharp mind. After college, he moved to Dallas, where he met his beloved wife Susan, on a blind date. Their bond was immediate, and within six months, they were married—a decision that led to a lifetime of love and partnership for 63 years.

Jay and Susan built their life in Dallas, raising three children—Mary Beth, Cindy, and Brian—who were the heart of his world. President of PD Browne Machine Tools Inc., a business he led with honesty, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility. Through his work, he earned the trust and respect of clients, colleagues, and his community.

Jay was also involved with several business and charitable organizations including AMTDA (American Machine Tool Distributor Association) on the Board of Directors and with Catholic Charities as a Past President.

A devout Catholic, Jay lived his faith each day with a quiet devotion. His values guided every aspect of his life—from how he raised his children to how he treated those around him—with humility and kindness.

Jay’s greatest joy came from his growing family. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and great-grandfather to three, and he never missed a chance to support them. Whether it was cheering from the stands at their games or playing golf together on a sunny afternoon, Jay was always present—steady and loving.

Weekends at the family farm with his children were among Jay’s most treasured times. At the farm, surrounded by open fields and his children, he found peace and purpose. He also had a lifelong passion for trains and motorcycles, a testament to his mechanical curiosity.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and gentle strength that will continue to live on in the lives of those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Susan O’Brien Jones; his children Mary Beth Jones Thomas, Cynthia Anne Jones Cochran, and Brian Walter Jones; his grandchildren Jay Clark Thomas (Alexis Greenhill), Brian Wiltshire Thomas (Sarah Katherine Gaston), William “Billy” Lake Thomas, Caroline Cochran Pollan (William), Catherine Cochran Palomo (Joshua), Thomas David Cochran (Avalon Gampper), Hailey Jaye Jones and Hogan Julian Jones and great-grandchildren; Hunter Clark Thomas, Annie Rae Thomas and William Jay Pollan and many dear friends and extended family.

A Catholic Mass in memory of Jay, preceded by the Rosary, was held at Our Lady of Dallas Cistercian Abbey with immediate family earlier this week.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cistercian Abbey in honor of Jay’s deep faith and lifelong commitment to service, https://abbey.cistercian.org/.