It is with a heavy heart to share with you the passing of retired Brother Lonnie “LJ” Jones on December 22nd, 2023.
LJ started working at American Airlines in 1968 and retired from the position of Inspector – Aviation Maintenance Technician in 2003.
Please keep the Jones family in your thoughts and prayers.
Lonnie “LJ” Jones, a man of honor, distinction, and unwavering resilience, passed away on December 22, 2023. Born on June 19, 1938, Lonnie was a beacon of joy, laughter, and wisdom for all who knew him. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age. His vibrant personality and steadfast character were reflected in his love for dancing, his passion for playing chess, and his fondness for good westerns, especially “Gun Smoke.” Some his favorite music artists were Dinah Washington, Dorothy Moore, Dave Brubeck amongst many other countless artists singing 1950’s “doo-wop” to jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, and old school gospel like Mahalia Jackson.
Lonnie graduated from Booker T Washington High School, Sapulpa, Ok in 1957. He then enlisted in the United States Army, a testament to his bravery and commitment to service. He worked many years as a Maitra D and attended a school in electronics. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Wanda Jones, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey of 56 years filled with love, companionship, and shared dreams. In the same year, Lonnie began his prestigious career at American Airlines, where he dedicated 35 fruitful years before retiring. Even after retirement, his work ethic was impeccable as he constantly worked on different projects around the house.
He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Wanda, his daughters Dedra (James) Laskey, Teresa (Carlos) Williams, his son from a previous marriage, Gregory Jones, his granddaughter, more like a daughter, DeAnna Williams, his granddaughters, Carissa and Camryn Williams, and three great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Kassidy, and Kenneth Delonni. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Harris, Vanessa Mays, and brother, Robert Austin, and a host of nieces and nephews. Lonnie was predeceased by his brother, Chester Henderson, and his mother, Esther Henderson.
Lonnie’s resilient spirit was evident in the way he lived his life. He loved fishing, playing chess, and family gatherings. He was a member of the former Agape Bible Fellowship Church. He was a man of class, and his favorite color, blue, reflected his dignified nature. His legacy will henceforth be remembered as one of honor, respect, and class.
His enduring lesson to us all was to never give up, live life to the fullest, and to endure and overcome regardless of life circumstances. As he often said, “How Sweet it is.” His family and friends will always remember him as an amazing man, a true warrior, and a class-act!