Henry James Jones

Henry James Jones, 58 of Gulfport, passed away Saturday evening at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. He was the oldest of three children, two boys and one girl, born May 21, 1963 in Gulfport to Jack Wayne and Patricia Ann (Ladner) Jones. He grew up in Long Beach where he and his younger siblings enjoyed playing outside with each other and all their friends. He gained the nickname Jimmy rather quickly and has went by that ever since. Hunting and playing baseball in the rec leagues were always fun for him, but fishing...that was his passion. Jimmy graduated from Long Beach High School with the Class of 1981 and from there, went on to Gulf Coast and USM Hattiesburg, receiving his bachelors in education and science. After spending a hitch in the US Army, he went to work in Florida teaching in the public schools, eventually adding a coaching slot to his duties and became head volleyball coach. Jimmy worked his way up to become principal at his high school where he worked for a few years before deciding to return to South Mississippi. Once on the coast, Jimmy went to work for Kentucky Fried Chicken before shifting to Popeye's, managing stores in Pascagoula, Gulfport and Orange Grove over years. He is remembered as a great brother. Oh sure he would razz his brother and sister at times, as most older ones do, but Jimmy was always right there to defend and protect them when needed. He was a loving father and husband who taught his children to value themselves and to never give up, no matter how bad they might want to. Jimmy worked and provided for his family, but every opportunity he got, he would have a hook in the water. The man simply loved to fish and was a Florida Gator no matter what. If the Gators were playing, Jimmy was always watching and cheering them on. He had a good sense of humor, loved to laugh and could cut up with the best. He leaves far too soon and will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. Jimmy was preceded by his parents, Jack and Patricia Ann Jones and his only sister, Sandra Reynolds. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife Melina; his children: Casey Jones of Gainesville, FL and Heather Jones of Gulfport, Joah (Amy) Baggett of Sumrall, Laken (Joey) Clark, also of Gulfport, Shaina (Ryan) Sessums of Lena, MS, Jessika Ishaq of Miami, Fl and Sameer Ishaq of Ocean Springs; and his little brother, Bruce (PJ) Jones of Saucier. Jimmy leaves a legacy of five grandchildren, four nephews, many friends and who knows how many fish caught in his time. His final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. A memorial or service of any kind was not something Jimmy wanted either, so the family is trying to hold to his wishes there as well. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve our friend and his family in this tough time. Please join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.