James L. Jones

James L. “Jimmy “Jones was born on December 9, 1930, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, the youngest child of the late John and Ethel Jones. He graduated from Peck High School in 1948. That fall he enrolled at Bethune Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida. His studies were interrupted at college when in 1950 he enlisted in the United States Army. A veteran of the “Korean Conflict” he served as a cryptographer technician. He was on duty when the decision by President Truman to replace General McArthur with General Ridgeway as allied commander came across the teletype. It was the G.I. Bill that allowed him to continue his studies at Bethune-Cookman University, for which he was eternally grateful. He graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, and from that day until he was well into his 80’s has endeavored to fulfill and perpetuate the mandate of his beloved founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, “Enter to learn; Departed to serve”. James began his professional career as an educator with Broward County School Board under the leadership of the esteemed Mrs. Blanche Ely. During his time at Blance Ely, his growth was immense. He chaired the mathematics department, served as student council advisor, faculty chairperson, officer of the assistant administrative council and became Teacher of the Year. He stated that the 12 years at Blanche Ely shaped his education philosophy in subsequent leadership positions. While at Blanche Ely he earned a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. In 1969, he became the Guidance Director at Everglades Middle School, and in the very next year he was appointed as the Dean of Boys at Plantation High School. In 1973, he accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Pompano Beach High School, remaining in that capacity until 1980. In the same year, he was named principal of Ely High School (which was the name given when the school reopened), retiring in 1992. He was the longest tenure principal at Blanche Ely, exceeded only by the school’s founder Mrs. Blanche Ely. In those 12 years, he supervised the infusion of students from Pompano Beach High School, helped develop and implement Ely’s magnet program, increased academic and athletic scholarships, and was honored to have the school auditorium named after him. After retiring, he established the James L. Jones Scholarship and awarded over 30 scholarships to deserving students. Recognized in 2009 as Pompano Beach’s Citizen of the Year by the City Commission, he served the city in numerous capacities: Pompano Beach Chapter Review Board (13 years), Educational Advisory Committee (8 years), Chairperson Pompano Beach CRA (15 years), Pompano Police and Firefighters Pension Board (6 years), Chairperson Broward County Chapter Review Commission (1995-1996), and Professional Standards Board for the Broward County Sheriff’s Department (5 years). When he turned 80, he made up his mind to be supportive, but no longer take leadership roles. He said that “young people need to take over. We’ve trained many capable men and women who are doing a good job in the church, community, and the city. The changes in this city are phenomenal. We’ve moved from farming to a metropolitan city. I have stayed in my first neighborhood by choice because I have spent most of my rewarding and fulfilling adult life here and have stayed to give back. The people I have had the opportunity to work with, mainly the students, have grown and many are now fine contributing neighbors and residents giving their time and talents as we did. I have enjoyed being a role model to these young people and in turn I believe I have impacted their lives in a positive way. I know they have had a positive influence in my life”. He is a member of Ely High’s Hall of Fame and was named a Broward County Pioneer. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church where he served faithfully, until his health declined, as a Deacon, Trustee Board Member and Financial Director. He is also a founding member of the Pompano Beach Kiwanis Club, and the Tiger Roar Club. He is the last of four founding members of Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Pompano Beach of which he was a member for over 70 years. His favorite sayings were “Can a mule sing opera” and “Never let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can”. He is loved very much by his surviving wife of 66 years, Thelma, and their daughter Angella (Alfred Vann) of West Palm Beach, Florida. He is also survived by one granddaughter, I’kita Vann and one great grandson, Aden Hinsey and great granddaughter, Zorah Whitfield all from West Palm Beach, Florida. A host of sorrowful nephews, nieces, and cousins. Special friends/sons Larry Levette, Albert Hill and Woodrow Poitier. He was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as two brothers and two sisters.

James L. Jones

December 9, 1930 - July 2, 2024