Bobby Joe W. Jones, an attorney, husband, father, and lifelong Missouri resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 7, 2023 after a long illness. He spent his last days surrounded by his devoted wife and children. He was 84.
Bobby Joe, who was also known as Bob or B.J., spent his life devoted to service – to the State of Missouri, where he spent his career in the Office of the Attorney General, and also to his family, church, and community.
Bob was born on February 2, 1939, in Mexico, Mo. to William A. Jones and Nona M. Jones (nèe Ferguson). He spent his early years on the family’s farm, caring for their turkeys and other animals with his beloved dog, Ruby.
As a child Bob attended the Beaver Dam one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1954 and earned a scholarship to attend college at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Bob saw that scholarship as a turning point in his life, and he felt fortunate for the opportunity it presented. Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1961 and his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1964. The importance of education is a core value that he passed on to his children.
Bob served in the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve from 1964 to 1970.
Bob met Pamela Ann Ewing when they were studying at the University of Missouri. They married on November 18, 1967. Bob was appointed Assistant Attorney General of Missouri that same year, and he and Pam chose to make Jefferson City their home.
Bob served in the Attorney General’s Office for 26 years. He took great pride in his work representing the state and advising its elected officials. He was honored to represent the State of Missouri before the Missouri Supreme Court as well as federal and state courts.
Bob was a loving father and was actively involved in coaching his children in youth sports and scouting activities. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City, serving as a deacon in the class of 1987. After he retired, Bob enjoyed traveling with Pam, researching American history, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In late 2020 Bob contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus and he never fully recovered after his hospitalization. Despite his own failing health, Bob’s first thought was always of his family and their well-being. He will be sorely missed.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Pamela Jones of Jefferson City; son, William Jones (Beth Davidson) of Washington, D.C.; and his daughter, Elizabeth Jones of Jefferson City.
Visitation will be 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Dr. Angela Madden officiating. Casual attire is welcome.
Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Mexico, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
