Biography: Jay Lynn Jones, 86, of Little Rock died on Monday, February 2, 2015. Jones was born in Little Rock on July 28, 1928, to Jay and Marietta Mayhan Jones, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Carolyn Jones Knight. Survivors include his brother, Dr. Robin Richard Jones of Little Rock, and his niece, Vickie Lynn Knight Durkin of Sherman Oaks, CA. Special cousins include Martha Johnston of Birmingham, AL, Ruth Johnston of Little Rock, Wilma Jones of Minturn and Larry Jones of Minturn. He leaves many other cousins and close friends. Jones graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1950, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Omega Omega Chapter. While there he was a Razorback Cheerleader for 4 years. After being discharged from the U.S. Army, Jones worked with his father in the Little Rock Tent and Awning Company before beginning his career as a designer. He lived in many cities during these early years, including New Orleans and Houston, before the first sky scraper and first freeway were built. Jones was an architecture/designer representative for Formica Corporation of America in Texas and Louisiana for 10 years. He later opened a Designer and Architectural Show Room in Houston where he represented approximately 50 manufacturers of fabrics, paper, lighting, furniture and accessories. This venture evolved into his own residential and commercial designer firm that did projects across the United States and in Mexico. In 1995, after retiring at the age of 67, Jones joined the U.S. Peace Corps and upon completing several months of training was assigned to Uruguay. Just as the world has changed since the Peace Corps was founded in 1961, so had the Peace Corps. And Jones found himself working on some of the newest programs: Education, Youth Outreach and Community Development; Business Development; and HIV/AIDS Education. He not only taught English by day but also worked on his Spanish language skills at night. In addition, he worked with women and families in the Minas area to create small businesses and to organize fairs so that the women could sell their home-made products. His efforts in education brought increased yields and growth. At the end of his two-years of service, the Peace Corps asked Jones to extend his commitment for another year and move to Jamaica. Though the conditions were challenging, he tirelessly undertook the task of setting up educational programs for schools and hotels focusing on HIV/AIDS. He also worked with support groups for those with HIV/AIDS and was the force behind establishing a hospice program for them. After Jones returned to Little Rock in 1998, he immediately brought this experience and his skills to the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. It wasn?t long before he began to focus on and embrace the special needs children requiring support and gentle handling and their programs at Camp Aldersgate. During the summer months, he was there every day of the week donating his time, energy and talents to give these children the opportunity to experience summer camp in a safe, healthy and spiritual environment. Jones was also active in working with the Seniors Program and the Respite Care Week-End Programs at Camp Aldersgate. Jones was recipient of numerous Camp Aldersgate Volunteer Awards including Volunteer of the Year. A resident at Good Shepherd, Jones was President of the Residents? Council in 2006. For a number of years, Jones played a key role in organizing the Seniors Health Day activities at The Good Shepherd, where he received outstanding volunteer awards. Jones received The 2007 Amazing Spirit Award from Baptist Health for his efforts to make the Little Rock community a better place to live. And Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe acknowledged his volunteer service to the state of Arkansas on multiple occasions. Jones always loved to travel. The two most memorable places he visited during his extensive travels were the Pyramids of Egypt and Machu Picchu in Peru. His hobbies included cross-word puzzles and Bargello needlework that won first prize in competition at the Arkansas State Fair. Jones was placed on the membership roll as an infant and joined First United Methodist Church of Little Rock in 1939. He was an active member until his passing. A celebration of Jones? life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 732 Center Street, with Dr. F. Gladwin Connell officiating. The family will receive visitors at 10 a.m., prior to the service, in Cokesbury Center at First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Honorary pall bearers are: Gene Mason, Charlie Hill, Ed Smith, Eddie A. Morrow, and the Koinonia Class. Active pall bearers are: J. Chad Dugger, Dr.Tracy T. Windham, Larry Jones, Andrew Jones, Erik Hearnes, Landon Hearnes, Adam Skinner, and Michael Jackson. Memorials may be made to: Camp Aldersgate [2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, AR 72205] Little Rock First United Methodist Church [732 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201] or Arkansas Hospice Foundation [14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116]. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com