John Bennett Jones Sr.

LTC (Ret.) John Bennett Jones age 86, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Sentara Careplex in Hampton, VA after a long battle with cancer. A resident of Hampton since 1979, John was born on September 5, 1936, in White Oak, NC, to William C. Jones and Lydia Ray Jones. After graduating from North Carolina State University, John entered the US Army in 1959. His 26-year career as an officer took him throughout the world, to include two assignments in Germany and two tours in Vietnam, where, as a helicopter pilot/aviation commander, he participated in countless missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. Career highlights include serving as Division Aviation Officer for the 3rd Infantry Division, USAREUR, Professor of Military Science at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, and, in conjunction with his military schooling, attaining a Master’s in Public Administration. His last assignment was HQ, TRADOC, Fort Monroe, where as the Chief of the Senior ROTC Branch, he was responsible for the ROTC program of instruction used to teach 70,000 cadets on over 900 campuses. His numerous military awards, decorations, and service medals include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, 28 Air Medals (two for valor), Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Master Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. His lengthy and well-earned retirement saw John and his wife traveling the US and the world. They delighted in exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, the temples of Thailand, and the Great Wall of China, while also enjoying numerous trips to Europe and cruises across the Atlantic and throughout the Caribbean. John relished spending time with his family and friends. When home, he devoted many a day (and night) tending to his beloved garden and especially enjoyed consuming seafood, attending sporting events, fishing the Chesapeake Bay, bowling, and playing poker with his wide circle of friends. John was predeceased by his parents; his younger brother, William, Jr. (Billy); his nephew, William (Willy); his younger sister, Rebecca (Becky) and her husband Edward (Eddie) McLeod; mother-and father-in-law, Karl and Therese Hildwein; and sister-and brother-in-law, Elfriede and Toni Hochmuth. John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Herta; his two sons, John, Jr. and Michael; daughters-in-law, Melissa and Michelle; grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Michael, Grace, and McKenna; granddaughter-in-law Carolyn; sister-in-law, Judy; niece, Nancy and her sons, Addison, Brandon, and Chandler Denney; niece, Edith, her husband Didi, and son Edgar Hochtl; former daughter-in-law, Jollene; and many dear friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA with a celebration of life service starting at 11:00 AM and a reception to follow the service.