Joe Edward Jones

March 26, 1932 to December 16, 2018

Joe Jones, age 86, passed away in Oklahoma City, OK on December 16, 2018.  He was a 50-year resident of Colorado Springs before moving near family in Oklahoma City. Born in Athens, Texas, to Lela Mae and Harold Jones.  Raised on a farm in Toole, Texas until 7 before moving to Highlands, Texas where he developed his lifetime work ethic.

At 19 years old, he joined the Air Force during the Korean War.  Joe was a legal claims supervisor in the Judge Advocate General office.  His assignments included San Antonio, Anchorage, Harlingen TX, Big Springs TX, South Vietnam, Portland OR, and Colorado Springs.  He earned many accolades including his selection as Air Force Academy Senior NCO of the Year in 1968. Senior Master Sergeant Jones retired (April 1972) from the Air Force after 20 years and 9 months of serving his nation!      

After retiring from the military, he began his second career at USAA.  He was a natural for this career as a man who never met a stranger and made friends instantaneously.  Joe always felt his military experiences helped him relate to USAA members because he knew where they were coming from!  During his second career he realized the rewards of his experiences and hard work earlier in his life and he took pride of his leadership style as a people person who helped his office staff recognize and reach their career goals! Joe retired from USAA in December 1992.

Joe truly enjoyed his years in the Air Force and at USAA, however, his commitment to others did not stop.  Service continued to be a cornerstone of his life — albeit a different type of service.  He diligently worked every week at the local soup kitchen as he served his neighborhood community.  He became a deacon at his church and he began to ballroom dance with his wife Patti!   Joe was a trusted helper to his friends and he continued to care for his family in numerous ways.  No job was ever too big or too small for Joe.

Joe’s life was one that was well-lived.  While his latter years were marked by his health decline, his underlying personality of concern and caring for others lasted throughout.  His family was by his side as he moved on to a place where he can once again feel unbelievable while dancing with Patti!

He is survived by his brother Jim Jones (Betty): his sister Brenda Kay Hall; his children: Kevin & Charlotte Jones, Lynette Jones, and Laura & Kevin Smith; his step-children: David & Chris Buongiorno, Debbie and Wayne Price, Danny & Anna Buongiorno, Doug Buongiorno; and the blessings of 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Patti, his parents, 2 sisters and a son-in-law.

Joe’s family is exceedingly grateful for those who cared for him, especially Colonel (retired) and Mrs. Joel Maynard, the staff at Liberty Heights Senior Center Community in Colorado Springs and the Legend at Rivendell Assisted Living facility in Oklahoma City.

Memorials in Joe’s name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

A celebration of life and reception will be held on July 13, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs from 11 am to 12 pm.