MJ Jones, Jr., affectionately known as "Melvin," entered this world on November 22, 1941, in Morris County (Daingerfield), Texas, to the late MJ Jones, Sr. and EvaMae Jones. MJ was one of five children—the second of five and the eldest son. He attended J.J. Rhodes High
School.
At the age of 17, MJ enlisted in the United States Army in 1959. He honorably served his country for 20 years and one month, from 1959 to 1979. He was baptized at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church in Daingerfield, Texas. Throughout his Army career, MJ held roles that reflected his skill, discipline, and dedication.
His military service centered around his duties as a Watercraft Operator and Terminal Operations Coordinator. He was also trained and certified as a Harborcraft Deck Officer, serving in the Army's watercraft operations branch responsible for maintaining military vessels used to transport logistics, including service connected with Fort Eustis, Virginia and the 7th Transportation Battalion. During his distinguished military career, MJ received numerous awards and honors, including:
• Good Conduct Medal (Sixth Award)

• National Defense Service Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal

• Vietnam Campaign Medal

• Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
MJ was stationed in many places around the world, and among all his assignments, he often shared that his favorite post was his tour in Ethiopia. At retirement, he had achieved the rank of E-7, serving as a respected Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).
After retiring from the Army, MJ continued to serve and work diligently. He later retired from the USPO and the Dallas Sheriff 's Department. He was truly an accomplished, hardworking man.
In 2000, MJ married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Jones. He was a true jack of all trades—a skilled auto mechanic, a gifted singer, and a man who could play the guitar, piano, and harmonica. He enjoyed his boat, fishing, his gun collection, storytelling about his many
Army adventures, and traveling.
MJ was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan who loved Blues and Country Western music. One of his greatest joys was watching classic cowboy Western shows. He loved the nostalgia, tradition, scenery, and simple moral clarity they represented. Shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza never got old for him. He especially enjoyed watching them from his La-Z-Boy recliner in his man cave, where he could relax and reflect on simpler times—times of grit, rich dialogue, and straightforward heroes. MJ was our tough guy, but he also had a gentle,
caring, and generous heart. He was truly a cowboy at heart.
MJ leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Barbara A. Jones; his eldest daughter, Yolanda Jones (Bernard) of Louisiana; Sharon Barnes of Oklahoma; Janise Jones Pitts (Xaviar) of Oklahoma; Leon Tabb of Virginia; and Melita Jones of Maryland. He also leaves
four bonus daughters, all of Maryland: Montrose Robinson (Anthony), Torea Chancellor, Coney Elam (Michael), and Anjenette Powell.
He is also survived by his beloved niece, Chasity Frazier (Ronal "Boddick"); his beloved nephew, Robert "Willie" (Solonya); his beloved sister, Verna-Lee; grandchildren Kendall, Josh, Alonda, Augustus, Adom, Omari, Erica, Kristopher, LaMesha, Jamine, Jonathan, and
goddaughter Myra; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members.