MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Parks, Browning, Clarke, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee, Montgomery, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HISTORIC MILITARY CAREER OF SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT FELIX A. JONES, JR., OF RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Felix Jones from Ripley, Mississippi, served a remarkable 38 years in the United States Army Air Corps which included traveling and working with United States Presidents, being photographed with General Douglas McArthur and accompanying President John F. Kennedy's remains from Dallas to Washington; and
WHEREAS, Felix Alan Jones, Jr., son of Felix A. Jones, Sr., and Ida Voyles Jones, was born April 27, 1927. When Jones was 17, his parents received a telegram stating that his older brother had been killed in action in World War II in Europe. He changed his birth certificate, went to Corinth, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Most young rural boys learned to hunt early in life, often for food. That one talent became apparent on the firing range during basic training in San Antonio, Texas. It helped launch a remarkable 38-year military career. His training sergeant was very impressed that he hit the target with such accuracy. He was sent immediately to California to board a ship for Guam. He qualified as a duty soldier in the Military Police. Once he escorted the commander to a "Special B-29." Jones knew only to follow orders and make certain the plane was secure. He had no idea what was on it. They were loading the atomic bomb; and
WHEREAS, before Jones' release from the MPs, he was picked to go into the jungle and capture a Japanese soldier. He was promoted to Buck Sergeant and later to Staff Sergeant. He was sent to Japan to mechanical school. The trip ended with General McArthur asking Jones and the sergeant to join him for lunch. Their photo appeared in the Stars and Stripes the following day. Jones returned stateside in 1947. The military needed crew chiefs for B-25s. He was trained in electrical systems, radios, radar and instrument work, and had a major role in preparing the planes used during the Berlin Air Lift; and
WHEREAS, when the Korean Crisis began, he was recalled to the Air Force. The Cuban Crisis and the close call which could have resulted in World War III is now a part of history. After President John F. Kennedy's death, Jones was sent to Dallas to accompany the body back to Washington. He served as part of the Honor Guard at the White House and witnessed John Kennedy, Jr.'s now-famous salute to his father's casket. He returned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and soon received a request to attend the Presidential Inaugural Parade for Lyndon B. Johnson. Jones' daughters watched the parade on TV in their school auditorium. They watched history being made as they watched their father send a signal to them by moving his shoulders while the camera was rolling; and
WHEREAS, there were many memorial events during his long career. He served in various capacities and enjoyed some much-deserved perks along the way. He accompanied President Nixon when he came to Ohio to observe the devastation left in the wake of a tornado. Jones was chosen to be a special advisor in Vietnam because of his background in Guam and Japan. He flew to Camp David to discuss air transportation and plans for a rescue with President Carter during the hostage crisis; and
WHEREAS, during the Middle East Crisis Conference, President Gerald Ford needed the best people available to fly with his entourage. Senior Master Sergeant Jones was a soldier of good character, experienced in public relations and the best technical airplane mechanic and air controller in the Air Force. Ford personally requested Jones for the assignment; and
WHEREAS, Jones lives in Ripley with his wife, Sandra, and his grandson, Joey. He has two daughters, Teresa and Patty; three sons: Bruce, Jeff and Joel; a number of grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and his one remaining sibling, his sister, Bea Wiggs; and
WHEREAS, Felix was a school bus driver for a number of years before retiring. He continues to lead a busy and fulfilling life as an Usher in The Church of The Lord Jesus Christ in Blue Mountain, as an active life member in the VFW and American Legion, and as a Chaplain in the Ripley Masonic Lodge. On Veterans Day, he goes to every school in Ripley, Pine Grove and Blue Mountain to participate in their Veterans Day ceremonies, and gives speeches to the students. He is affectionately known as Felix, Alan, Daddy, Granddaddy and Uncle Bug. "You can't believe the life I have lived," he said; and
WHEREAS, Senior Master Sergeant Felix A. Jones, Jr., thank you for your service:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we take pride in the fact that a man of such character, ability and attainment as Sergeant Jones is numbered as one of our most loyal citizens in war and peace and we pay tribute to him for his service to his country and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Sergeant Jones and his family, forwarded to the Ripley VFW Chapter and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.