Jerry P. Jones

Jerry Jones graduated from Bovina High School in 1949, and from West Texas State University (WT), now West Texas A & M University, in 1953. While at WT, he met Billye Faye Small, a pretty, petite, sorority girl. They were married October 30, 1954.

Jones served in the United States Navy and Reserves from 1953 - 1957, with active duty on the USS Rochester as a Intelligence Officer. Following that, he entered University of Texas Law School in 1957 gradating in 1959.

Jerry joined the law firm of Thompson, Knight, Simmons and Bullion, now known as Thompson & Knight LLP, where he enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career as a litigator before retiring in 1998. He focused his practice on personal injury and business, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, winning cases which involved, among others, aircraft crashes, product failures, energy, securities and contract disputes. His memberships and affiliations included: American, Texas and Dallas Bar Associations- Litigation Sections; Research Fellow, Southwestern Legal Foundation; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; Chairman of the Advisory Board of the International Mediation Center; Board Member at Pioneer Natural Resources; and Member and Master of Bench of America Inn of Court LVI.

He was also Co-Founder and member, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and Founder/President, Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. It is these accomplishments which earned him the title of "Unsung Hero" in an article by Judge Jay Patterson. His friend John McShane is quoted as saying, "Jones is a man of remarkable courage and vision. His hallmark is that he is willing to do the right thing in the face of fear and consequences." Jerry’s modest response was typical, "I’ve been rewarded so many times by friends getting well. I don’t feel like a hero."

Jerry was particularly pleased and grateful for his LCL and TLCL affiliations and of his sobriety date of January 1, 1973, which preceded the organizations. He was also an active member and much sought after speaker involved in helping persons struggling with addictions all over the world to cope with their diseases and to find fulfilling, active lives as sober men and women serving God as they understand Him. When Jerry was not traveling, he enjoyed spending time at his beloved lake house in Whitney, Tx hunting, fishing, golfing and hosting his children, grandchildren and great grandson.

A man of much of character and wisdom, Jones was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leon Jones. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Billye Faye Jones (Small); son Michael (Lori) Jones; daughter Karen (Jeff) Epperson; grandchildren Nicholas, Whitney and Zachary Jones; Megan, Tyler and Jake Epperson, and great grandson;Christian Jones who will sorely miss him.

The void left by those departed shall soon be filled with healing memories and celebrations of life, for therein lies immortality. A memorial celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:30 a.m., Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230. Phone: 972.233.7106. Please visit www.sparkman- hillcrest.com for online condolences. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, or the American Leukemia Society in his honor. Thank you.