Reflection of Life
David R. Jones, Sr. was born on June 9, 1948, to Jessie E. Jones, Sr. and Clara Jones in Holly Grove, Arkansas. In 1951, the Jones family moved to Ratio, Arkansas, where David attended and was baptized at Gumwood Baptist Church. While growing up in Arkansas, David attended E Arkansas, where he excelled in math and science. David was an avid fisherman, who frequently visited the mighty Mississippi river with his dad. David often played checkers, baseball, boxing and other games with his siblings throughout his childhood.
David moved to Chicago, Illinois when he was 17 years old and attended Kennedy King College, studying Computer Programming. Later, he started his career at Spiegel, Inc. as a computer programmer, where he worked for many years. David eventually sought other opp managed security personnel for several entertainment venues. David served as a senior lifeguard at Venice Beach, who trained junior lifeguards and managed the beach on weekends. In his late 20’s, David moved b to Chicago because he wasn’t too fond of the earthquakes. David proceeded to matriculate truck driving school and received his Commercial Driver License. David delivered a multitude of materials to Wisconsin, Indiana, and throughout Illinois. He was known as a Chicago Map Genius, who was a jack of all trades. If there was anything that you needed fixed or repaired David, “he could do it dear friend, Vonzell, doing contractual work remodeling homes and businesses.
In 1977, unconditional love brought David Jones and Mary Francis Napolion together and they have been married for over forty-seven years. David was the proud father of his beautiful daughters, Shaniece, Danielle, Katrelle and his two wonderful sons, David Jr. and Marcus. David was passionate and fierce about life and family. He taught his children to have morals and values. David was a self was a brave man, a provider, and a protector. He was nonchalant about life and known party…he loves to dance. He was funny, sweet, kind-hearted, and respected by his entire community. His favorite hobby was fishing. He always was willing to teach anyone how to fish. He was an undercover fishing genius. He invented a fishing tool that allowed a fisherman to retrie for the bait. The tool was called “Shockabait”. He tested his invention on numerous fishing trips.
In 2003, David retired and began spending his spare time fishing, being with his youngest son, grandchildren and volunteering at the neighborhood elementary school. He was known for his commitment and dedication to all who encountered him. David was a family man, who really loved his family. He will truly be missed by all he touched
David made his transition on Saturday, July 27, 2024. David is proceeded in death by his parents, Clara and Jessie Jones, his siblings, Ida, Jessie Jr., Anita, Lena, Barbara, Claire, Odell, and Morell.
Memories of David’s love are left to cherish by his beautiful wife; Mary N. Jones; his loving children, Shaniece Marshall, Danielle Jones, Katrelle Jones-Bouie (Duane), David Jones Jr., and Marcus Anthony Jones; his lovable grandchildren, Shenae, Donique, Shaquilla, Porsche, Kaleb, Mason, Soultan Dey, and Sanylah; his amazing great-grandchildren, Rashaun, A’zerion, Rayven, and Aiden; his caring siblings, Blossie (Johnny), Joyce (David), Christopher, Jackie (Howard), Carolyn, Billy Ray and a host of very spe nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Expressions of Love
Letter to Daddy: Although, I will mourn your loss, my heart is overflowing with the love you gave. I will miss your laughter and the many stories your shared about family. I will miss you telling everyone “My name is David Jones " as if they didn't already know (lol) or how you would tell me a million times about your granddaughter telling you at three years of age "my name is Donique, not Dominique", so you wouldn't forget it (lol). Thank you for being an awesome grandpa and for being my Daddy. I will carry you with me forever.Lovingly,DanielleJones
Words for Grandad: I love you so much Grandad, I’m angry because I thought I had forever with you on this earth, I guess I just thought you’d live forever. Until we meet again. That’s just the way it is, AW MAN!!! Love Shenea
Two moments I remember about grandpa is 1. When he clowned me for ripping a fish’s lips off; something he ALWAYS reminded me of like he said he would 2. When grandma was staying at our house and grandma called it home. Grandpa’s response was “Oh so it’s home now?” I love you grandpa, and I thank you for loving me. I will miss you my fishing buddy. Love Kaleb
Grandpa, before coming to visit you if anyone but mommy and daddy held me, I’d usually cry. But the moment I laid eyes on you it was like I was looking at myself. I immediately pushed mommy away and reached for you. I didn’t know exactly who you were, but I knew for sure you were my people. We looked just alike, and I heard mommy and daddy always say you were my twin, and I got my head from you. I’m so grateful I got to spend time with you earlier this summer. And I hope you always remember the kisses I snuck in when I was playing with you. Love you grandpa Soultan Dey
Grandpa, I will miss when you say, “That’s Just the Way It Is”. Grandpa, I will miss how many times you and I talked over my mom’s phone. Grandpa, I will miss the game shows you and I would watch together. Most importantly Grandpa I will miss you. Love Mason
I love you dad! Thank you for loving and accepting Kaleb and I as your very own. The first time you called me “Lisa May”, I knew then that our bond as father & daughter-in-love was sealed. No matter the circumstance you would always say to me, “Girl, I love you and don’t you forget it”. I will miss you terribly dad. However, I will continue to hold on to the love and memories that we shared. Until we meet again, Love “Lisa May”
From the children of O'Dell Jones Sr. Uncle David wasn't just Uncle he was a father always with laughter and words of wisdom. We will miss you and Love You Always....
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Psalm 91:15
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
I Did It My Way
