A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 16, 2013 at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel with Jerry Coffman officiating.
Jerome Judson Jones was born January 13, 1920 in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Frank and Emma Jones. His family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1927 and he graduated in 1938 from North Hollywood High School. As a child, he performed in several movies starring actor Mickey Rooney. He was a serious student with an abiding interest in science. From an early age, he was drawn to airplanes and the mystery of flight.
At the age of 20, he enlisted in the US Army and was quickly accepted into flying school. After qualifying as a pilot, he flew submarine patrols along the California coast. He was then assigned to combat flight operations in the Aleutian Islands. On September 11, 1942, following a raid on the northern Islands of Japan, his skill and courage allowed him to lead a group of badly damaged B-24 Liberator bombers back to safety. For his actions that day, he was awarded the Air Force’s highest honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross.
He went on to serve 28 years as an engineer in the US Air Force and retired in 1969 with the rank of colonel. After retiring from the Air Force, he taught courses in electronics at Grayson Community College. He served two terms on the Denison City Council and took great pride in his Texas community. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Alice Mae (Goldie) Jones. He is survived by his wife Diane Caroline Jones and his children, Evelyn Tackett of Kentucky, Kathie Fanning of Colorado, David Jones and Jo Merilee Gray of Denison, David McIntire of Coppell. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He loved to cook, was a graceful ballroom dancer, loved to travel, was a meticulous planner and a skilled carpenter. He was interested in automotives, firearms, gardening and history. His grandchildren were his delight and he never tired of being with them. He lived a life of integrity and grace. His family is grateful for the many expressions of care and concern during his recent illness. One way for friends to honor his memory would be to make memorial donations to Home Hospice, 505 W. Center St., Sherman, TX 75090.
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