Gerald W. Jones

   Gerald Wayne Jones, 85, of Jackson passed away Monday, July 28, 2025 at his home. He was born January 4, 1940, in Whitewater, MO, to Edgar O. Jones and Kathleen A. Rhodes Jones. He married Clarice McDowell on May 30, 1964 in Doniphan, MO.   

   Gerald graduated from Jackson High School in 1957. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a B.S. in Education in 1962. He received his Masters in Education from the University of Missouri, 1966. He served in the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard from 1957-1966 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent.   

   Gerald and Clarice were members at First Baptist Church in Jackson for many years before joining Mercy Hill in Jackson in 2017. They enjoyed their family time and many of their best memories were spent with their family in Colorado at their cabin on Waugh Mountain in Fremont County, CO.  Gerald loved Colorado and he and Clarice even considered moving their family there in the 70’s but decided against it because of the hard winters and the challenges of getting their children to and from school. Instead they spent every summer there for over 50 years.  It was there that they had many memorable experiences with their children, grandchildren and friends. They hosted friends and even strangers (that became friends) sharing many delicious dinners prepared by Clarice, countless elk and deer hunts, horse back rides, and sharing numerous beautiful Colorado sunrises and sunsets. If you ever went to their cabin for a visit Gerald was sure to drive you around and show you some of his favorite spots such as Inspiration Point where they enjoyed many glasses of wine with good friends, the rustling of the beautiful aspens, stopping along the way to point out the Columbine and Indian Paint Brush scattered about the mountain side. However, no trip was complete without going around looking for wildlife at dusk. Colorado forever holds a special place in his heart.   

   In addition to their time spent in Colorado, Gerald was an avid gardener for many years until his health declined. He also enjoyed reading, shooting matches, fishing, elk hunts and any event that included an opportunity to socialize.  The past few years while at home he enjoyed visits from his many friends. He always had a love for good people and good conversation.   

   Gerald started his career as a high school science teacher at Jackson High School and it was there he developed his life long interest in track. He was a coach and science teacher from 1962-1967. In 1967, he took a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Missouri Department of Education from 1967-1972.   

   In 1974 he partnered with Marvin Proffer combining the Jackson Journal and the Cape County Post and Cash-Book to create The Cash-Book Journal Newspaper.  Jones celebrated 50 years in the newspaper business during National Newspaper Week in October 2024.   Always an entrepreneur he also joined forces with Jerry Reppert to create Cape Central Publishing Company where they each printed their respective newspapers.  In 1974, he started a local auditing business, Associated Inventory Specialists, Inc.  He served as the owner and president for over 49 years.   

   Gerald enjoyed officiating track meets and football games all over the region. He was a track referee/starter in 1962 and was the head starter at the Missouri State Track meet for 25 years (1976-2001). He was an assistant referee from 2001-2012. He was a registered track referee and starter for 50 years with MSHSAA and NFHS. He was a football referee for 40 years (1964-2004) and refereed four state championship football games. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and often said that many life lessons can be learned in sports such as building character, good sportsmanship and perseverance. Later, he kept detailed notes of his grandchildren’s individual records and accomplishments.   

   He believed strongly in education, encouraging his children and others to continue their education and complete their college degrees. While commissioner he created a commissioners scholarship and awarded money to seniors at the six local high schools in Cape County for several years— personally paying out almost $20,000 in scholarships.   

   Gerald loved Jackson and gave his all to his community. He served as the  President of Missouri Rehabilitation Counselors Association, 1968-69, President of  the Missouri Jaycees from 1971-72 where he met President Nixon. He was the county chairman of the University of Missouri Extensions Council of Cape County from 1980-81. President of the Southeast Missouri Press Association from 1982-83, and served on the University of Missouri President’s Advisory Council from 1982-86. He was president of the Jackson Merchants Association from 1982-83. He was a board member of the Missouri Small Business Development Council from 1990-2000 and the Missouri Judicial Finance Commission serving in various capacities  from 1995-2010. He was also a member of the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation Board, US Bank Board of Directors, Cape Girardeau County Waste Water District Board and the Missouri Association of Counties Executive Board, Cape County Farm Bureau, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Elks Lodge #2652, the Saint Francis Healthcare Board of Directors and the Saint Francis Healthcare Emeritus Board.   

   In 1994 Gerald decided to run for Presiding Commissioner.  He approached the campaign as he did all things—with a winning attitude and hard work. He enlisted the help of his many friends and family and left no stone unturned in his campaign, walking door to door all over Cape County asking constituents for their vote and making many new friends along the way. He said of the job. “ I didn’t have any training or introduction for this particular job, but I had an Administrative Assistant, Donna Brazil, who knew all the records and knew what they meant. She helped me to find what I needed.”  His long-time friend, Rodney Miller, county clerk swore him in on his 55th birthday on January 4, 1995.   

   He served 16 years as commissioner retiring in 2010. He enjoyed the job immensely and had numerous accomplishments and achievements as Presiding Commissioner. He played a pivotal role in transitioning Cape Girardeau County to a first class county on January 1, 1997. He was instrumental in securing the Procter and Gamble new Bounty towel plant in Cape Girardeau County. He was involved in the expansion project of Biokyowa, Nordenia USA, plus  many others.   

   Gerald was very proud of the completion of the Cape Girardeau Nature Center in North Cape County Park in May of 2005. When visiting another conservation nature center up north he wondered why Cape County could not have a similar type of facility? Upon returning from his trip, he immediately reached out to Rep. Marvin Proffer for advice and Proffer helped lead the way to the creation of the center and aided in the process to secure the funding. Additionally, Jones organized the county’s emergency response plan into one of the best in Missouri. While at the county he developed a five year capital improvements plan for the county, initiated a building and grounds department for the county, completed construction of an $8 million dollar Cape Girardeau County Justice Center and a new Cape Girardeau County Archive Center. He also initiated a transportation study, which led to the creation of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority.   

   Gerald received numerous awards over the years for his contributions to athletics, his community and his professional affiliations. Some of the most memorable: 2020- Southeast Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame. Jones broke 28 track records his senior year in 1962. 2010- R.A. Fulenwider Award, 2010-Missouri Track and Cross County Coaches Hall of Fame, 1994-Outstanding Track Official of Missouri, 1992- Distinguished Service Award from the University of Missouri, June 1990- First Place Tall Tales Contest, 1988-Outstanding Official of Missouri, 1971-Outstanding Civic Leader of Jackson, 1970-Missouri Outstanding Young Man Award, 1966- Outstanding Young Educator, Jackson.   

   Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Clarice L. Jones of Jackson, three children and 10 grandchildren. Gerald W. Jones, II (Gerry) and wife Amy and children Gerald W. Jones, III (Jed), William Jones, John Henry Jones and Isabel Jones all of Cape Girardeau. Gina (Tom) Raffety of Cape Girardeau and children, son Kyle Bader (Brandy Escobar) of Playa Del Rey, CA, three daughters, Daly Raffety and Lily Raffety both Santa Monica, CA, and Harper Raffety of Cape Girardeau. Sarah Wilson and children: Rivers Wilson and Colette Wilson all of Nashville, TN. Two siblings; Joe Mike (Helga) of Fargo, North Dakota. Sister Nancy Jones, of Sheboygan, WI, and three sisters-in law: Pamela Jones of Jackson, Gloria Burk of Overland Park, Kansas and Carol Williams of Nashville, TN. Nine nephews, five nieces and many cousins also survive him.   

   He was pre-deceased by his parents, Edgar O. Jones and Kathleen A. Jones, and one brother, Fred O. Jones of Jackson.   

   Visitation will be at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson on Friday, August 8 from 4-8 p.m. and from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9 at Mercy Hill Church, 3757 State Hwy. 25, in Jackson. Funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Aaron Campbell at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with full military honors.   

   Gerald never knew a stranger and made hundreds of good friends in his lifetime. To honor him the family will host a Celebration of Life from 5-8 p.m. at Roost, 39 North Broadview, Cape Girardeau, for friends to come together to share their memories and stories of Gerald.   

   The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation for the loving care provided by Mercy Hospice & Respite Care, Barbara Wilson, Lisa Hawkins, Sierra Plumley and April Dixon.   

   In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Mercy Hill Church c/o Building Fund, 3757 State Hwy. 25, Jackson, MO 63755. https://www.mhchurch.org.   

   Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above this article.   

 Mercy Hill Church 
3757 St. Hwy. 25, Jackson MO 63755
 Tel:  1-573-243-4145
 Web:   https://www.mhchurch.org/