John "Johnny" Williford Jones

John Williford Jones - "Johnny" to those who knew him, and Poppa J to the grandchildren who adored him - passed away June 30, 2026, in Madison, Mississippi, at the age of 76. A lifelong Jacksonian, Johnny was born on March 2, 1950, to John Wesley and Juanita Luter Jones.

On February 16, 1974, he married Jean Howard, and together they built a marriage that spanned more than five decades.

Faith was the foundation of Johnny's life. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Jackson, where he poured himself into the youth ministry for many years, becoming a steady and loving presence to generations of young people who came through its doors.

Johnny gave more than 40 years of his life to public service, working for the Social Security Administration over a long and faithful career.

A graduate and lifelong Mississippi State fan, Johnny never missed a chance to cheer on his Bulldogs. But nothing came close to his love for his family. He was happiest in the stands and the seats - at soccer games, ballet recitals, choir concerts, and volleyball matches - showing up faithfully, again and again, for the people he loved most.

Johnny is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jean Howard Jones; his sons, Brad Jones and his wife Rebecca, and Davis Jones and his wife Kathy; and his four grandchildren, Jon Colin, Aubrey, Mikayla, and Kacyn.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Jackson, on Monday, July 6th from 12:30pm - 1:30pm with a funeral service held also at First Baptist Church Jackson, on Monday, July 6th at 2:00pm. Burial will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to First Baptist Jackson Student Ministries.