Earnest James Jones

Earnest James, “EJ” Jones of the vibrant, rural community of Leesburg, Texas passed away on October 2, 2026 at the age of 80. He was the oldest of three children blessed to the union of Ernest “Shug” Jones and Alma Miles Jones.

Earnest graduated from Pittsburg High School where he played basketball, football, and baseball. He relocated to San Antonio, Texas a couple years after graduating and lived with his Aunt Earline Jones Davis. He was initially employed as a security officer at Hemisfair Park for the city of San Antonio. He was later employed at Chromalloy Turbine as an aircraft mechanic for over until the company relocated to Georgia.

As a jack of all trades, Earnest worked as a civil engineer with Marriot Rivercenter, a driver for the city of San Antonio, O’Reilly Auto Parts new store assembler, Alpha Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Roseville apartments bus driver, and automobile transporter for Manheim San Antonio.

He always had his handyman service with the majority of his customers being senior citizens.

Earnest completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and signal training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He served in the Texas Army National Guard for 10 years but was never activated.He united with the church at an early age in Leesburg, Texas. He joined New Mount Pleasant Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E.K. Bailey/ J. Carlton Allen. He served his church family as lead usher, driver for the van ministry, and a member of the men’s ministry.

Earnest and Inez met at a college graduation party of mutual friends and married four months later on September 21, 1973. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in 2026. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Nicole E. Jones-Ojo (son in 💙 Godwin) and Ernest, “CJ” Jones (daugher in 💙 Lorraine). Prior to their union, Earnest had a son, Christopher Robinson.

He enjoyed playing dominoes, fishing, and had the God given skill of repairing small electrical appliances.

A true sports enthusiast Earnest supported the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs. Monday through Saturday, at 6:30 pm, you could find Earnest watching Wheel of Fortune.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and children; sisters Belita Jones Edwards and Darlene Jones Roney; grandchildren Naomi Purvis-Robinson, Nicolette and Nicosi Ojo, Lorenzo and Romeo Jones; great grandchild Tiona Lee Purvis-Watson, nieces, Reverend Nelita Booth (Gionni), Charlotte Roney, Veronica Vargas, and Erica Byrd Reynolds; nephew Earl “Trey” G. Byrd, III; great nieces Charlene Roney, Brianna Lewis, Gabrielle and Isabella Byrd; great nephews Keith Baker and Noah Byrd; brother in law Earl G. Byrd, Jr.; bonus sister Linda Smith and God daughter Tiffany Smith; and an enclave of family and friends.

Earnest’s life was a gift to those fortunate enough to know and love him. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will continue to live on through all who were touched by his life.