Obituary of John T Jones

John Thomas Jones, Jr., affectionately known as Tommy, departed this life on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the Samaritan Hospice Facility in Voorhees, New Jersey.  He was born on May 23, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late John Thomas Jones, Sr. and Louise Ann (Logan) Jones.  Soon after his birth, the family relocated to Mizpah, NJ.  He started his education at the famous Mizpah School! Also, Tommy attended Mays Landing Grammar School and in 1964, he graduated from the new Oakcrest High School.  He was a member of the first graduating class to complete all four years at Oakcrest.  While there, he received athletic awards for his stellar basketball ability.

In 1968, he married Betty Ann Sye and from this union, a daughter, L’Tanya Yvette Jones, was born.  He nicknamed her “Mighty Might” and she was truly the apple of his eye. He was an inspiration to her and to other young people as they pursued their dreams and goals. Throughout his career, he worked at jobs that allowed him to provide opportunities for others.

His entrepreneurial spirit was evidenced by his job at the Mizpah Shell Station – where first he assisted his father and eventually he took over ownership. He and his brother, Melvin, built Jonesy’s Bar and Lounge in 1977 and Tommy owned and operated it until it was sold.  He also owned an apartment building where he lived and rented space.

During his life, he worked in the Hammonton Blueberry Field where he picked blueberries that are nationally known!  At the NAFEC facility in Pomona, he made enough money to buy his first brand new car - a 1964 Chevrolet Impala, which he raced at Atco.  At the United Parcel Service in Vineland, he was the first Black package deliverer in the area.  Also, he worked at the car dealership in South Jersey - because cars were truly his passion.  In 2008, he retired from the John Contarino Construction Company – Union #222, where he had worked for many years.  After his retirement, he became known as TJ, the DJ. He often volunteered his service to groups that were fundraising.

Over the years, the other ways that he volunteered to share his skills with the community included: snow removal and lawn care for those in need; car maintenance for those who couldn’t afford it; assisting people who wanted to buy a car; volunteering to drive seniors and others to their activities; supporting the church activities at several churches; and, he was the line dancing DJ and instructor with the Newtonville New Town Stompers.  There was no task too big or too small for Tom Jones.  If he knew you needed something, he would do something even if you didn’t ask.  He was a giver and a doer.  If he had it, it was yours; and, if he didn’t have it, he knew where to go to get it. Indeed, he was a “true friend to the end”.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Barbara Wheeler and brother, Melvin Jones. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, L’Tanya; his sisters, JoSandra (Josiah) of St. Thomas, USVI and Marsha (Cyril) of Ft. Washington, MD; his former wife, Betty Ann Sye of Vineland; his longtime friend and companion, Patti Sample of Mays Landing; his nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.   We are grateful to those special friends who supported him throughout his life so that he could be a blessing to others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to W. A. Y. Corporation.

www.waycorp.org

W. A. Y. Widening Advancements for You.

The WAY is the way

Checks can made payable to the W. A. Y. Corporation

6466 Dehirsch Avenue

PO Box 6

Mizpah, New Jersey 08342