Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. mourns the loss of Brother James L. “Jimmy” Jones, who entered Omega Chapter on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Originally from Fernandina Beach in northeastern Florida, James Leroy Jones, affectionately known as “Jimmy”, graduated second in his high school class before matriculating to Bethune-Cookman College (now University). His college education was briefly interrupted when Jones joined the United States Army where he served as a Communication Specialist in World War II. Eventually, he returned to Bethune-Cookman and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics. While at Bethune-Cookman, Jones was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1953 through the Omicron Epsilon Chapter.
After being sought out by the late Mrs. Blanche General Ely to teach math at Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Jones relocated to South Florida in 1955. He taught mathematics at Ely for 12 years before seeking to further his academic career. Jones received Masters’ Degrees in Guidance & Counseling and Administration and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University. His 37-year tenure in the Broward County Schools system included: classroom instructor at Blanche Ely, Guidance Director at Everglades Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, Dean of Students at Plantation and Pompano Beach High schools, and Assistant Principal and Principal of Blanche Ely High School. He eventually retired from Broward Schools in 1992.
After moving to South Florida, Mr. Jones joined the Zeta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi in Fort Lauderdale. In 1969, he and three other men (Clifford Dudley, Edgar Mills and Joseph Smith) founded the Eta Nu Chapter to stimulate Pompano Beach and the surrounding communities with the four cardinal principles of the fraternity: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.
For decades, Jones served on various civic boards in Pompano Beach including the Charter Review Board, the Education Advisory Committee, the Police and Firefighter’s Pension Board, and as chairman of the Community Development Advisory Committee. He also served as a Trustee and member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, a member of Kiwanis Club Northwest, and many other organizations.
Jones’ life as a community servant has become a symbol of excellence for generations of youth, men and women, both in and out of the classroom. He was often sought out for his advice and sound counsel. His indelible mark on South Florida can be seen and felt, far and wide, through the many people he has taught and mentored over the 69 years he has been in South Florida. A visit to Mr. Jones’s home reveals the countless honors and awards he has received from many organizations throughout the decades, including having the auditorium at Blanche Ely High School named in his honor, named Pompano Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2010, and receiving his 70th Year Pin and Service Award from Omega Psi Phi, personally delivered to him by current Grand Basileus Ricky L. Lewis in June of 2023.
He will be remembered by all as he would often be heard saying: “Never let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.”
Along with Jones’ family, the brothers of Eta Nu remember, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of Brother James L. “Jimmy” Jones – a pillar of our community.
Funeral Services have been arranged as follows:
- Friday, July 12, 2024
Visitation: 5:00pm-8:30pm
Omega Service: 6:30pm - Saturday, July 13, 2024
Funeral Service: 9:00am
The location of both services is the James L. Jones Auditorium at Blanche Ely High School, 1201 NW 6th Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Eta Nu Education Foundation at https://www.etanu.org/donate.
