Jay Jones

Joseph Winters "Jay" Jones, Jr., 63, died Thursday, February 7, 2008, at Rankin Medical Center in Brandon. Visitation was Saturday, February 9, 4-7 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. The funeral service was Sunday at 2:00 at Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Star with interment in Lakewood Memorial Cemetery on Monday at 11:00. The Reverends Jim Beam-Ingram and Jerry Glass will officiate.\ \ Jay was born on March 10, 1944, in Vicksburg, MS. He was a 1962 graduate of Clinton High School and received both his Bachelor of Music and Masters of Music in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.\ \ An accomplished musician, Jay taught music at Provine High School and shared his talents as a choir director at several area churches, including First United Methodist of Canton, McLaurin Heights United Methodist in Pearl, Wesleyanna United Methodist in Star, and St. Mark's United Methodist at the reservoir.\ \ An outstanding salesman, Jay, along with his brother, opened the first Century 21 real estate office in the state in 1975; he also owned Allison Home Builders and in the 1980's worked as an investment broker. He was a financial planner in the 1990's for VALIC and for the last ten years was the owner and operator of American Mortgage Company.\ \ He served as president of the Mississippi Association of Mortgage Brokers and was a member of the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi Mass Choir.\ \ Jay will be remembered for his generous, giving spirit and continually brought together his friends and family by sharing his many talents as a culinary artist, woodworker, gardener and soloist. \ \ Survivors include his wife of 20 years Kathy Mangum Jones of Star; daughter Allison Jones Rodgers, husband Jeff, and granddaughters Fable and Ever of Olive Branch; mother, Mary Joyce Jones; brother, Chip Jones and his wife Christy; sister, Janet Jones Scott and husband Tom; stepson, Cass Brister; His mother-in-law Dora Jean Whatley,and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.\ \ He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Winters Jones, Sr., and his grandparents.\ \ Pall bearers will be Cal Mangum, Ricky Ates, Keith Jones, Ricky Salyer, Britton Jones, Devin Ates, Adam Ates, and C.J. Mangum.\ \ Memorials may be sent to Wesleyanna United Methodist Church or the Star Civic Improvement League, P O Box 316, Star, MS 39167.\