Robert Elvin Jones Sr. was born in Orange, New Jersey on August 5, 1927. Robert was the fifth of 9 children born to Clem and Grace (Overby) Jones. Robert was educated in the Malaga School System, but he left school at a young age to help provide for his family. After the passing of his father, Robert worked many different jobs. He worked at Jersey Package, Colony Foods, and GLF, just to name a few.
In 1950, he met and married Cleo Blunt. From this union, three children were born Marlene, Robin,and Robert Jr. He purchased land and in 1953 he built his home in Newfield with his own hands. While building his home, he would study different books to learn how to do electrical wiring and this endeavor initiated the start of his career in the electrical trade.
Robert returned to school at Salem County Vocational and Technical School and earned his GED and a diploma as a qualified electrician. He began working along with fellow electricians and earned their respect because of his attention to detail and his vast knowledge and willingness to learn. He continued working with other local agencies in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties, becoming a licensed electrical contractor and dedicating himself to his trade for over 30 years. Robert enjoyed going to church and spending time with his family. He was extremely proud to have completed several 20th Century Bible Courses. He was also a fan of cowboy movies and liked boxing. He even earned an official amateur boxing certificate. Robert was also a community advocate. He was one of the co-founders of the Newfield Terrace Community Action Organization and was instrumental in the creation of the center. He helped tend the grounds and would often spend many long hours maintaining the center and serving the community. His dedication to service and his mindset of having a good and positive attitude was always an inspiration to those around him. He was a role model to those who knew him and an inspiration to all. As such he was recognized by the Township of Franklin and was elated to have a street named in his honor. Robert went home to be with the Lord on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the age of 98. He was predeceased by his wife Cleo Blunt, his parents Clem and Grace Jones, his brothers Clem Jones (Mildred), Leonard Jones (Harriett), Samuel Jones(Rosetta) , Douglas Jones (Martha), and Wilbur Jones, his sisters Dorothy Petway ( Matthew), Geneva Parker (Andrew), and Marguerite Hines (John), and his daughter Marlene Aikens (Rudolph R Aikens Jr). He leaves to cherish his memory two children Robin A Holmes and Robert E. Jones Jr., Grandchildren Rudolph R. Aikens III, (Leslie), Melvin H. Holmes III, Maya A. Holmes (Quran), and great grandchildren Rudolph R Aikens IV, Leeya Aikens, and Jaxson Holmes, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. A viewing and funeral service will be held on May 2nd at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1837 N. East Blvd., Vineland followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Vineland, NJ.
———- Original Message ———-
Comments
comments