Paul Jones

Paul Jones was born July 10, 1946, in La Fayette, Alabama.  He was the oldest of four children born to Paul Wilmer and Kathryn Henderson Jones.  He passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2025, in Congress, Arizona.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Paul lived a life filled with love, laughter, music, and cherished memories.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Voni, whom he joyfully married six years ago in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends.  His incredible legacy continues through his three sons and four grandchildren.  Anthony and his wife Josephine are parents to their son Colin and daughter Maeve.  Joshua and his wife Jenna are parents to their daughter Addison.  Andrew and his wife Michele are parents to their son Otis.  Paul is also survived by his former wife, Nancy Jakes, the mother of his children, and his sisters, Kathy and Janice.  Paul’s brother, Robert, and his parents preceded him in death.

After growing up in rural Alabama and Mississippi, Paul moved to Arizona in 1967 to attend college.  Shortly before graduation, he accepted a position with a church and moved to Southern California.  This began a period of personal and academic growth alongside dedicated church service, leading to moves for Paul and his growing family throughout the state.  Paul and family eventually moved back to Arizona in 1982, where he continued serving in various capacities with different churches.  His devoted life of Christian service eventually brought Paul to the Yarnell area and the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church.  Since the early 1990’s, he has been an active member of the Yarnell and Congress communities and a dedicated minister in his beloved church.  In appreciation of his efforts, Paul was recognized by the Grand Canyon Presbytery and the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors for his leadership during the recovery efforts after the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013.

Paul modeled his life on a scripture passage from Micah: “What does the Lord require of you but to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for family and friends, Paul had a passion for bringing people together.  He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him and will always be remembered for his warmth, spirit, and the love he shared.

In honor of his memory, the family invites friends to celebrate Paul’s life at a memorial service to be held on Saturday, April 19th at 10:00am, at the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church. Light refreshments will be served afterward.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church in his name.

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