JAMES “JAY” C. JONES, Jr,

61, of Sherwood, Ark., passed away at his home on Friday, November 19, 2021.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Carthal and Patsy. He is survived by his wife of five years, Vicki; sister Lynn Burnett (Bill) of Austin and son Zachary Jones of Jacksonville; as well as step-children, Andrew Hinkson (Emily) and Matthew Hinkson; nephews, Bryan Floyd (Haley) and Jarod Floyd (Sarah) and a niece, Lindsay Floyd. He has numerous other family members: aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and nephews and a step-grandson. He had several lifelong friends who he was able to share his life accomplishments with, along with good times and laughter.

The Arkansas Razorbacks coursed though Jay’s blood. He went to his first Razorback football game when his Mom was seven months pregnant with him. Later, he had fond memories of going to games with his parents and sitting on his Dad’s lap cheering on the team. He could recall the smell of gas fumes as he went through the parking lot of the team buses holding each of his parents hands.

Jay’s other love was baseball. He started in little league and played for nearly 30 years. His father was the inspiration for that love and coached him many years. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and he and his wife named their English Bulldog, Mo; short for his favorite Cardinal player, Yadier Molina.

Jay began announcing football games before he graduated high school. This led him to a long career of announcing high school sports ending 40 years later when he retired from being the voice of the PA Bruins of Little Rock in 2016. Jay credited his love for radio announcing to Jack Buck, voice of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jay’s final job was at DHS where he met his wife, Vicki, and made numerous friends while there. He loved doing Karaoke, fishing, playing his guitar, hanging out with friends and watching sports. He loved bluegrass, a good steak, John Wayne classics and old time country music, the likes of George Jones and Johnny Cash amongst others. He loved history and one of his favorite trips with his wife was to Boston.

Jay wasn’t a stranger to anyone. His nickname to many was Jay bird. He was a kind soul and true gentleman.

Visitation will be Friday, November 26, 2021, from 11-1, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills in Sherwood with a service to follow.