Jesse J. Jones , 79, of Center, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014 in San Augustine.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2014 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2014 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Jesse J. Jones was born in the Antioch Community of Shelby County to William Jesse Jones and Willie Ruth Golden Jones on December 1, 1934. He married Lucille Mena on February 13, 1960 and they celebrated fifty-four years together.

Jesse served two terms in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964, during which time he was in the Third Armored Division and also served as a Medic. He retired from Brown & Root Marine Operators after 30+ years. He began a new career as a log truck driver with the Barr Brothers and later with Roscoe McSwain.

Jesse enjoyed rodeos in his younger years and participated in the rough stock events. He was a member of Rodeo Cowboy Association and was a lifetime member of AQHA. He loved the outdoors, especially farming and raising race horses. He was a faithful longtime member of St. Therese Catholic Church.

He is survived by
Wife: Lucille Mena Jones of Center

Daughter: Deidra Annette Jones of Spring

Sons:
Kenneth Duane Jones and wife, Amanda of Center
Gary Alan Jones and wife, Susan of Lindale
William Casey Jones and wife, Gina of Spring

Grandchildren:
Zackary Jones of Nacogdoches
J.T. Jones of Center
Jackson Jones of Spring
Kelsi Jones of Lindale
Kendal Wise of Tyler
Derek Wise and wife, Kelly of Lindale

Three Great Grandchildren

Brother: Charles Ray Jones and wife, Pat of Patroon

Niece: Charla Jones of Lufkin

Numerous other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: William Jesse and Willie Ruth Jones

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Jones, Alan Jones, Casey Jones, Zackary Jones, J.T. Jones, Charles Ray Jones, Roscoe McSwain and Derek Grant. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Jones, Lynn Mena, Ray Mena, Ronnie Mena, Vernon Santos, Jerry Walker, Tommy Hughes, Tim Wulf, Mickey Wilson and Tom Watkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Therese Remodeling Fund.