Joseph Roosevelt Jones, Sr. was born on September 24, 1932 in Roanoke, VA. He transitioned from his earthly life on March 14, 2021 at the age of 88 years. He was predeceased by his Mother Anna (nee Banks) and Father Harry Maddox; Stepfather Rice Jones, Sr.; Aunt Nannie (nee Banks) and Uncle  Moses Gills who raised him after the passing of his mother; Four Wives; Brother Rice Jones Jr.; Cousins Edward Gills and William Gills with whom he was raised as a brother; Nieces Brenda and Joyce Jones and Nephew Wayne Jones that he raised after their mother's passing.

He grew up in Beckley, WV where he graduated from DuBois High School. He was an honorably discharged disabled Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the motor pool and as a General's aide. He competed as a member of the Air Force track team.

In civilian life he was a hard working entrepreneur who operated a cleaning service, did recycling, moving, and refuse hauling with several trucks he owned. He found ways to increase his income with a spontaneous side hustle. He sold insurance and earned membership in the Million Dollar Sales Club. He had a strong work ethic, made his own way in life, and often said he left home at the age of 16 with nothing but "a deck of cards and a fish head sandwich." He was also employed at Aerojet Rocketdyne, and held several positions with Sacramento County and the State of California DMV.

He was outgoing, humorous, and jovial; the type of person who never met a stranger, with a soft spot for his elders, who took in many who had nobody else to turn to. Although he was subject to many of the temptations and shortcomings that people are; he was selfless, humble, and generous. For example, he put himself in harm's way to rescue a woman involved in a terrible crash because he was the first person on the scene, yet without benefit of cell phones, he found a way to alert authorities and helped to free her from the wreckage. As a result, he received a letter of commendation from the Sacramento Chief of Police, but never mentioned that to anyone. There were also times he would see a family in need and go out of his way to bring them groceries without ever being asked and would never bring it up in conversation. He loved to sing in church and at other social functions, like his daughter's wedding.

He leaves behind to celebrate his life Five children: Josetta R. Jones Nair (Segran,), Joseph R. Jones, Jr., RADM Estella Jones DVM, Timothy L. Jones (Elsie), and Shaelomena Jones; Six grandchildren: Christina Miller, LT Solomon Nair DDS (Amanda), Joshua Nair (Audrey), Ezra Nair (Loni), Alece Jones, and Gizelle Jones; and Seven great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves his Special friend Ms. Eva Moore; Special sisters-in-laws Patricia Keys and Phyllis Hayden; Special nephews and nieces Kelly Keys (Shona), William Hayden (Gail), Ty Keys, Renee Keys, and Latasha Keys; and many other relatives and a host of friends and associates.