Captain Donald Donnie Jones‚ of Jacksonville‚ died Tuesday‚ March 20‚ 2012‚ when he was struck by a vehicle while working at the scene of an earlier motor vehicle accident. Another firefighter and a police officer were also injured in this incident.
Donnie was born October 21‚ 1955‚ in Del Rio‚ Texas‚ to Lee Jones and Wanna Faye David Jones.
He started his 31-year career with the Jacksonville Fire Department on December 24‚ 1980‚ and rose to the rank of captain‚ serving in that capacity at Station 4 for 15 years. Dedicated and passionate about his work‚ he helped to train others and served as a mentor and brother to his fellow firefighters. He was a consummate professional and a dedicated public servant‚ proud of the vital role he played in protecting others and providing for the safety of citizens. A fellow firefighter remembered a time when Donnie helped him out of a fire‚ reminding him that saving himself was more important than saving the building. Captain Jones is the first Jacksonville firefighter killed in the line of duty.
Donnie was the beloved son of Melvin Leroy Jones and Wanna Faye David Jones; the loving husband of Betty Jones; the proud father of Tracy Jones‚ Beverly Smiley (Thomas)‚ Donna Henderson‚ Teresa Myers‚ and Vernon Myers; the devoted brother of John Jones‚ Michael Ray Jones‚ and Bruce Jones; the caring grandfather of nine grandchildren; and great-grandfather of one child. He is also survived by many friends and by his brotherhood of fellow firefighters.
Donnie was a caring family man who loved coaching softball‚ hunting‚ and fishing. He was focused and passionate about the things that interested him. Friends remembered him as one of a kind. He was deeply loved by his family‚ his many friends‚ and his fellow firefighters.
I met Donny as a child on LRAFB. First day I remember was going frog hunting by lifting cement water breaks under the drains on the base housing. I lifted them and he grabbed the frogs. We both lived on Ohio Circle. I knew his family all our child good lives. His mother and mine were best friends. I have childhood pictures of him and family growing up. I am sorry it took so long to see this. I didn’t know and saddens me very much. I am proud, very proud of his accomplishments. May be RIP in heaven and hope to see him again. My stories are fruitful and could write a book on memories. I live in Flowery Branch, Ga. Home of training camp of the Atlanta Falcons. Retired US Army 1994 and still kicking. Charles E. Britt.
– Charles E BrittSorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. His uncle Gene I. Jones is my father. I never met Donnie. Donnie is quite a bit older then I a am. He was an amazing person just like all the Jones men are. If any one in the family would like to get a hold of me on please feel free to. Sandra Jean Jones
– Sandra Jean Jones