Mr. Jessie James Jones

Jessie Jones — "Constant Pressure"

Jessie Jones, 67, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away surrounded by family after a courageous life lived with resilience, humor, and unwavering love. Born on September 28, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jessie was raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Columbia Place. His father, Jessie James Jones, passed away when Jessie was one year old, leaving his mother, Salustiana Louangco Jones, to raise her six children alone. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, and Jessie grew up not only under her strength and guidance but also with the support and example of his brothers and sisters. Together, his family instilled in him a foundation of moral fortitude—a solid base that guided him throughout his life.

From his earliest years, Jessie's spirited personality was impossible to miss. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School before moving on to Landsdowne Junior High in Washington Park, Illinois, where he and his sister, Terri, caused so much harmless mischief that the school chose to separate them. Jessie was sent to Rock Junior High, where he met Bertha Johnson. Unbeknownst to him at the time, their young connection led to the birth of his son, Antoine Johnson.

Shortly thereafter, his family relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Lindmoor Junior High and later Linden McKinley High School. It was during Jessie's formative high school years that fate introduced him to Felecia "Faye" Cheatom. When he learned Faye was expecting his daughter, Jamila Jones, his deep sense of honor and responsibility shaped his next steps. Determined to provide for his young family, he left school and enlisted in the United States Navy.

While serving, Jessie earned his high school diploma, completed college credits, and developed valuable skills in electronics. After boot camp, he returned home, married Faye, and together they raised three children, Jamila, Jessie, and Japera. His Navy service included postings in San Diego and Hawaii, where he faced long separations from his family and prejudice for being of both Black and Filipino heritage. Through faith and perseverance, Jessie completed his enlistment and returned home with an honorable discharge.

Jessie then trained in welding and began a long, dedicated career with Conrail. In 2000, the railroad transferred him to Savannah, Georgia, where he retired after forty-two years of service, proud of the stability and opportunities he had provided for his loved ones. Jessie valued education deeply—not only for himself, but for his children—and worked tirelessly to ensure they had the best opportunities possible, believing education was the foundation for a better life. He was immensely proud that his family embraced the same values that guided his own life: a dedication to learning, a tradition of honorable military service, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Around the time of his relocation, Jessie was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma, the first of several forms of cancer he would bravely battle over the next 20 years. He faced each challenge with courage and a steadfast sense of humor.

A man of many interests, Jessie coached his children's basketball and track teams, guiding them with the same patience, encouragement, and competitive spirit he showed at home. He was also an avid photographer, capturing both big celebrations and small, everyday moments, gifting these memories to family and friends. A man of faith, he was a long-time parishioner at St. Augustine Catholic Church. In Savannah, he also volunteered in schools, teaching children about railroad safety and the dangers of walking or playing near train tracks — a reflection of his enduring care for the community.

Family and friends remember Jessie as a natural storyteller who found humor in the everyday — like friendly debates over the merits of Fritos — and as someone who encouraged perseverance in the face of hardship. "Constant Pressure," the title he once imagined for a movie about his life, perfectly sums it up: challenges that molded his character, deepened his compassion, and strengthened his resolve.

Jessie is survived by his children Antoine Johnson, Jamila Jones, Jessie Jones, and Japera Jones; his beloved grandchildren Alex, Aniya, Antoine Jr., and Aidan Johnson; Jahi, Jaiyana, and Jamila Fleet; Lyric, Justice, Akilah, and Mi Janay Jones; Jahaira and Elijah St. Clair; his loving brothers and sisters Fred Hilario Jones (Jeanette), Beatrice Elaine Jones McAllister, Rogellio Jones (Tina), and Thirisita Jones Elliott (Michael); and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever remember his generosity, loving guidance, and steadfast love. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donato James Jones, and his granddaughter Alicia Harrison.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to his good friends Claudia Whipple and Bennie Hines, Dr. Negrea of Low Country Cancer Care, Dr. Siddiqui and the entire staff at Landmark Hospital for their remarkable empathy and expert care.

Closing Thought:

"Life's pressures never broke me...they shaped me. I found my strength in love, my joy in family, and my honor in doing right by those who depended on me."