Vincent A. Jones

Vincent Aloysius Jones was born on June 28, 1934 to Walter Irving and Rosina Matthews Jones in Washington, D.C. After Vincent turned nine, his family moved to the Pacific Northwest to McLoughlin Heights in Vancouver, Washington, one of eight Vancouver War time Communities. According to the U.S. Department of Interior, “In 1942 McLoughlin Heights was the second largest war housing development . . . ever built in the United States.” Being relevant to historical evidences of our nation’s response to social and global concerns, these communities have impacted the infrastructure of the Vancouver area: Its commerce landscape and the people living there. With this in mind, the notion of “fight” and “community response” would partake in shaping Vincent’s nature.

Thereupon, at eleven, Vincent became known as the “little Joe Louis.” Notwithstanding, this “fighting spirit” soon ripened to an “eye on the prize” appetite for becoming a professional boxer. Given that Vincent’s tenacity toward his boxing intentions led to many victories, it won him an acclaimed spot on a parade float for which Vancouver celebrated its exemplars. Six years later, uniting his talent to a larger purpose, Vincent joined the United States Marines to “fight” for his country; the U. S. deployed Vincent to the conflict in Korea and other South Pacific locales. His enthusiasm for professional boxing was encouraged after he became a champion in his weight class in the South Pacific theater.

In 1956, after Vincent’s honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines he relocated to Spokane, WA, a year before that move he worked a season for an Alaska fish cannery. Vincent worked for several other industries while in Spokane: Reynolds Aluminum, a Spokane Social club, and a bakery at the same time achieving his GED from Spokane Central High Night School and accordingly taking courses at Eastern Washington State University. Vincent, also worked for the Spokane city bus system and was chiefly one of two black men to desegregate this business sector; local citizens picketed to protest the job status of these two black men. Even so Vincent, with typical courage endured many occasions of harassment and discrimination while opening the door a little wider so that others might follow him. Truly he was a pioneer for demonstrating an audacious “fighting spirit.” In 1967 Vincent met and married the love of his life, Anne Theresa Jones and in 1969 this union moved to Portland, Oregon to raise their family. Here, Vincent worked at Tri-Met until he retired in 1997.

Vincent’s hobbies consisted of dancing in his younger days, music and singing along with his favorite tunes; organized baseball, weightlifting, refereeing high school basketball; moreover he was an avid reader and movie-goer. Not only did Vincent enjoy being physically and mentally fit, but also he was interested in natural science and secretly marveled at the impressive creation around him.

All things considered, most markedly in the life of Vincent Jones was his conversion to Christianity. He often told the story of facing his own staunch skepticism and he most poignantly felt the Spirit of God tell him “[If you don’t] accept me as I am [then] leave me alone.” On many previous events, Vincent had bucked the Lord yet because of this resounding statement he forthwith accepted him. He accepted Christ and his life was never the same afterward. Now joining his faith and tenacious soul to that larger purpose in life, Vincent became a fighter for spiritual things. He voluntarily taught Sunday School, drove the church van in joyous service; and encouraged his fellow patients during dialysis treatments. Vincent’s love for Christ was shed abroad both in his church family and beyond, for example he often caused dialysis patients to gather together for jumping jacks to get them cheered up and then tuning each patient’s station to his or her preferred radio or T.V. channel before enduring his own four-hour treatment.

Vincent was a fighter and did not give up easily, and although this may be true, his strategy to secure victories had shifted. Hence he included a sense of humor often rhyming. Some notable phrases were: “"Scooby dooby doo"...hubba bubba....fine as wine in the summertime....” ...many spontaneous out-of-the-pocket rhymes and nicknames such as “Miss America” for a certain nurse he often saw...; moreover he did not complain: He laid aside every weight....and with patience ran the race set before him (Hebrews 12:1); he did not want to burden anyone. Important to realize, he encouraged friends and family, both young and old to be strong, patient...hopeful, faithful...just as he had fought to be...

Vincent leaves to cherish his memories: His wife of 45 years, Anne Theresa Jones; six children, April Jones, Vincent Jones Jr., Renatta Williams, Rosina Hardy, Johnathan Jones, and Jessica Jones; one brother, Francis Jones; three sisters, Rosina Abdul-Shakur, Mellina Jones, and Christina Reed; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, saints and friends… Services are scheduled for Saturday, August 25th, at Maranatha Church in Portland, Oregon. Final resting place will be Willamette National Cemetery.

Affectionately brother Vincent fought a good fight and finished his race; he kept the faith (II Timothy 4:7). He is now a part of that great cloud of witnesses cheering us on...I can hear him saying, “Don’t give up the fight. Fight until the end! You are not alone. Your heavenly Father will support you: “Whom shall [you] fear? …of whom shall [you] be afraid? (Psalms 27:1)”

P. S. “"Scooby dooby doo", I’ll be seeing you.”