Eugene Edward Jones Jr.

On January 10, 2023, Eugene “Eddie” Edward Jones, Jr., age 68; loving husband, father, son and brother, transitioned from labor to reward. Eddie was born on April 3, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Jenniece (Terry) Jones and Eugene Edward Jones Sr. He attended James Whitcomb Riley Elementary (#43) and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School where he majored in Carpentry. He also obtained his Tradesman/Journeyman Technical Certificate from Ivy Tech Community College in machine repair.

On September 6, 1986, Eddie wed his sweetheart, Shelly Williams. Unto this union his only child and much beloved son, Cameron Eugene Jones was born on October 4, 1994. Although Eddie’s ultimate dream was to pursue art as a career, he followed the advice of his father and joined Navistar (International Harvester) immediately after graduating from high school in 1972, where he was employed until he retired in 2009. During his tenure at Navistar he took a military leave to serve his country in the US Marine Corps in September of 1977. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in September 1981.

Eddie is loved and remembered by family and friends for many endearing qualities. His lopsided smile, quiet laughter, passion and devoted nature. He was an avid reader and enjoyed science fiction books and movies. He was also a lover of dogs who gravitated to him; some of which would leave their own masters to follow him home. They knew beyond his quiet gruff demeanor was a gentle kind soul, which was evident when he openly cried both during and after watching the movie ET. One of his favorite pastimes was lake fishing and he would fight to keep from losing any fish on his hook. So much so that on one occasion while fishing at Ace Lake, he refused to relinquish his fishing pole. While he was holding on, the equally determined big catfish on the line pulled him into the lake where he almost drowned. Only Eddie!

Eddie was a master carpenter and craftsman, well known for laying intricate and artistic tile floors in which he took great pride. Family, friends and neighbors often reached out to him for any repairs or handyman work they needed to have completed. They knew no matter what it was, he would ensure it was done meticulously with an eye to every detail. He consistently gave you more than what you asked for, because he saw a way to make it even better. He wasn’t always the fastest, but it was always done right! Eddie also enjoyed cooking, both for Shelly and Cameron, and his extended family. He would add his own unique approach and could always be counted on to contribute a tasty dish for family gatherings. Although he was proud of many of his personal accomplishments, he was most proud of his son Cameron and his achievements.

Raised by prayer warrior parents in a strong Christian home, Eddie knew God and had unwavering faith and belief in Christ and is now resting in God’s grace and love. Eddie was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Edward Jones Sr.; sister, Alise Jones; both maternal and paternal grandparents; and his treasured canine companions: Caesar, Ted and Apollo.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Shelly Jones; son, Cameron Eugene Jones; mother, Jenniece Jones; siblings: Denise Jones, Sharon Ward (Odell), Paul Jones, Howard Jones (Diana), Valynda Murray (Kerry), Nathan Jones, Herman Jones (Shawn), David Jones (Regena), Stephanie Phillips, Christopher Jones (Michelle), Brian Jones (Chareal) and Maurice Jones; twenty-four nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.