R.J. also known by "J", “Mr. R.J.”, “Deacon Jones” was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, church member, and community member. He was born on May 22, 1931, in Madison County, MS, to the late Gus Jones and Jeffie (Gill) Jones. He was one of nine children.

He grew up attending Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church in Carthage, MS, after joining at an early age.

In 1958, Deacon Jones graduated from Conway High School in Carthage. Soon after graduating, he responded to the call to serve his country when he was drafted to the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

When he returned home, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Pearline McMillon, on August 9, 1955. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with one beautiful daughter, Linda Teresa. Deacon Jones was a devoted caregiver during his late wife's illness until she preceded him in death in 2012.

During the “Great Migration” in 1955, Deacon Jones moved with his bride to Milwaukee, WI, to start his family. He secured a job with a packinghouse facility and then the Chain Belt Company of Milwaukee where he worked for 13 years. While in Milwaukee, he thoroughly enjoyed attending picnics and family gatherings with his wife and daughter, as well as his brothers and cousins. During this time, he was a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.

Nearly 15 years later in 1970, Deacon Jones returned to Mississippi with his family. He settled in the Marydell community of Carthage, MS, and reunited with Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church. Deacon Jones spent the majority of his employment life as a beloved bus driver for the Leake County School District (Edinburg High School) for over 20 years. After retiring, he continued working at various organizations and facilities throughout Carthage, including Mississippi Central Snacks. As an additional way to support his family, he raised cattle and timber.

During his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, ad gardening. However, one of his greatest joys was serving his Christian Union church as a Deacon and an Usher. He was a Deacon for over 50 years. He and his late wife, Pearline, established Christian Union's first usher board 50 years ago. He loved each role so much, many Sundays he served as both Deacon and Usher.

Deacon Jones's life was marked by a quiet leadership known to many. When he and his fellow local wood cutters had challenges with large timber companies preventing them from selling their own timber, he helped rally the wood cutters to advocate for fairness. He also supported a movement to create what we know today as Hope Credit Union for wood cutters so they would have access to financial resources to support their businesses and livelihood. Deacon Jones was a dedicated and faithful lifetime member of the Leake County NAACP branch for over 50 years. The NAACP could always count on him to attend meetings, participate in marches, and be present whenever he was called upon.

He was also a member of Archie Lodge #456 F&A.M.PHA of Carthage, as well as the American Legion.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, others who preceded him in death include: four brothers, Gus A. Jones, Henry C. Jones, Nathaniel Jones, and J.S. Jones; and three sisters, Lorene Sykes, Carrie Triplett, and Bessie Pittman. Deacon Jones leaves to mourn his passing, his loving and dedicated daughter, Linda Teresa Jones Cassidy, and devoted son-in-law, Milton Cassidy, in Lena, MS; grand-daughter, Dr. Omni Cassidy, and a special grandson, Corson Vanbokkelen, in New York, NY; and grandson, Joshua Cassidy and grad-daughter-in-law, Brittany Cassidy, in Dallas, TX. He also leaves one sister, Tedella Wilder, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Deacon Jones was blessed with a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends who filled his life with joy, comfort, and support.

PLACE OF SERVICE: Christian Union M.B. Church, Carthage, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday 01/04/2025 at 1:00 p.m.

INTERMENT: Ebenezer Cemetery, Remus Road, Carthage, MS

VIEWING: Friday 01/03/2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

FAMILY VISITATION: Friday 01/3/2025 at 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.