On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, God in His infinite wisdom sent His angels to escort His beloved servant, James Clinton “Jimmy” Jones to his heavenly home.  He answered God’s call at Norfolk Sentara Hospital where he transitioned peacefully to meet his Master.

Known to many as Jimmy, coach, and Jay, he had an immeasurable impact on the lives of many. Jimmy was born on Sept. 27, 1959 to the late Charles “Kirk” and Mabel Jones of Isle of Wight County.   

Jimmy is a 1977 graduate of Smithfield High School. In 1984, after an infantry stint in the U.S. Army, he attended Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina receiving a B.S. in sociology.  It was at FSU that he became a member of Omega Psi Pi Fraternity.  He later sought a Master’s Degree in administration and supervision from Norfolk State University.

Jimmy’s heart for young people, coupled with a love of sports, was a natural fit for his role as a teacher and coach. His career spanned 29 years in Franklin and Suffolk public schools.  During his tenure, he was twice named Coach of the Year.  His greatest pride was witnessing the positive development and success of his students.  He dedicated his life to encouraging, motivating and helping them. His calling was to ensure their success and through them his legacy lives on.  

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted son, James Javon Jones and granddaughter Carmen Jones, of Chesapeake; a brother, Charles “CP” Jones of Hampton; three sisters, Lohrer Mise (David), Hampton, Cleder Jones, Newport News and Polly Brown (Benjamin), Prince George; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and devoted friends to include Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Whitley and Sam and Barbara Jones.    

A Celebration of Life takes place on Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. at Lakeland High School, 214 Kenyon Road Suffolk. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 5 to 8 p.m. at Main Street Baptist Church Family Life Center, 517 Main St., Smithfield with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Service. Burial is on Monday, May 1, 11 a.m. at the Albert G Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.
Arrangements by Poole’s Funeral Home 357-4742.