Obituary of Melvin Jones

Melvin "Hooks" Jones departed this life on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey after accepting Jesus Christ into his life. He was born on June 15, 1937 in Baltimore, MD to the late John Thomas and Louise Ann Jones. He began his primary education in Sharon, MA;and, in 1946 the family moved to Mizpah, NJ, where he attended Mays Landing Grammar School. During his years at Pleasantville High School, he was a stellar student and an outstanding athlete. Prior to his high school graduation in 1953, he was selected for and played on the New Jersey All State Basketball Team. After leaving high school, Melvin was one of the first African-American Psychiatric Technicians at Ancora State Hospital. However, he left that position to accept a basketball scholarship to Glassboro State College (Rowan) where he continued his education. During his life, he drove a taxicab, delivered supplies for various vending machine companies, and worked as an independent contractor delivering medical supplies to hospitals in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. These jobs coupled with his love for travel made him the original 'GPS system' for all who traveled in these areas. But it was his entrepreneurial endeavors that allowed his outgoing, gregarious spirit to shine. For many years he managed bars in the Camden area; and, in1978 he and his brother, Tommy, opened Jonesy's Bar and Lounge in Mizpah, NJ. Throughout his life, he remained an avid sports fan. He served as a mentor to and a sounding board for many young athletes. Melvin enjoyed the competition of not only team sports but also games like shuffleboard, pool and chess. Due to his remarkable skills in gamesmanship, he was well known in the area. In the 1980's when he was a member of the Oriental Lodge #1 in Camden, NJ, he achieved 32nd Degree Mason. Additionally when he left his last job in 2015, he received a service award for job excellence. Consistently, throughout his life he maintained high standards for his work. Melvin was a good listener and oftenshared his knowledge and experiences with others. He was well versed in the art of conversation on many topics, therefore he was always ready for a lively debate. Through his words, he inspired and encouragedmany people on his life journey. He will be deeply missed. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brother, John Thomas Jones, Jr.; his sisters, Dr. Barbara Wheeler, JoSandra Jones-James (Josiah) and Marsha Jones-Byron (Cyril); his sons, Malcolm Jones (Maria), Melvin Boskett (Rosalyn), Mark Washington (Myra), Nelson Reaves-Jones and Andre Lomax; his daughters, Crystal Jones-Wallace (Brian), Toy Thomas (Reginald) and Shervon Sonnebeyyatta (Obatala); 23 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.We are grateful for his friends and family members who picked him up to take him to his doctor appointments, to do his shopping, and to attend community and sporting events.