Jones

Artie Jones Sr. of St. Marys, affectionately known as “Jack-Dog,” peacefully passed away in his home on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the age of 92. 

Artie was born on April 10, 1929, to the late Abraham and Martha Jones in St. Marys. He attended school until the age of 13 when his father’s tragic death on a shrimp boat led him to start working in order to support his mom and family. As a very young man, Artie learned to work hard and took on whatever jobs were available to support his family — like working on pogie and shrimp boats.  

In 1950 he met the love of his life, Mary Louise “Tankum” Jordan. They were married and lived together until her passing. Artie and Louise raised a beautiful family, providing them with opportunities that they were not afforded. Dedicating 48 years to the St. Marys Railroad, without ever missing a single day of work, Artie retired on April 16, 1992.  

Artie was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, and a man that would give the “shirt off his back” to anyone in need. He was truly a sage and a king, imploring wisdom by teaching service above self, as well as dignity and respect for all. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a stranger to none, commonly referring to anyone he did not know as “pumpkin,” “honey,” or “suga.” 

He is survived by eight children: Milton Jones (Odessa) of Jacksonville, Florida, Artie “Bubba” Jones Jr. of St. Marys, Bobby Jones (Neicy) of Kingsland, Johnathan Jones (Sharon) of St. Marys, Pamela Jones of St. Marys, Marvin P. Jones, MD of Woodbine, Marsha Kitchen (Jeffery) of Kingsland, Denise Jones of St. Marys, 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise; one son, Harvey Tyrone Jones; and six siblings: Enoch Jones, George Jones, Abraham Jones, Jimmy Jones, Hortense Campbell and Clementine Campbell.

A public viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 23, at the Wheeler Street Church of God, located at 900 Wheeler St., St. Marys, GA 31558.

A private burial for immediate family members will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24 at Oak Grove Cemetery.

COVID policies will be in effect for both the viewing and burial. Masks are required for entry.