Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Jones graduated from West Catholic High School in 1957 and worked as a crew clerk, maintaining staff schedules for the Reading Co., until he joined the Army in 1961.
Mr. Jones had "great independence and autonomy" as one of two Americans advising about 150 troops in Vietnam, his son said.
Mr. Jones returned to his clerical work at the Reading from 1964 to 1969, his son said, but after being in combat "in charge of 75 men, it was tough going back to a railway job."
During his 23 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, Mr. Jones was, among other jobs, a firearms instructor at the Police Academy and a member of stakeout and anticrime teams.
Besides his son Timothy, Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen; his mother, Agnes; a son, William; a daughter, Helen Sweeney; two brothers; and five grandchildren.
A life celebration is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the John F. Givnish Funeral Home, 10975 Academy Rd., before a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, 2328 E. Lehigh Ave. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap (Pa.) National Cemetery.
Contact Walter F. Naedele at 215-854-5607 or wnaedele@phillynews.com.
