William "Spike" Jones Jr.'s Obituary
Each of us has an opportunity to share space with many as we sojourn
through this life. As you read this obituary you will probably reflect on a
moment or two you spent with William Jones Jr. known by most as “Spike”.
William entered this life on June 17, 1949. He was the second of two
children born to William Sr. and Rose Marie (Williams) Jones. Both his
parents and his sister, Arlene, preceded him in transitioning from this life.
One question often asked is how William got the name ‘Spike’? The
moniker ‘Little Spike’ was given to him by his father’s coworkers. You see,
William Sr. was a skilled riveter, hence the name ‘Spike’. So, there was a
Big Spike and a Little Spike…the rest is history!
Childhood for Spike was full of fun with his cousins and his neighborhood
buddies. There were his bug collections, the basketball and baseball
games, and the races to declare the fastest runner. You may remember
being one of those childhood friends running in the neighborhood or one
of the team members playing basketball in the schoolyard. Or could you
have been a teammate at Soldan High School where he graduated in
1967? You may have been a teammate or a rival of the basketball team at
Forest Park Community College. It was at FPCC that the opportunity to
travel out of the U.S. to play basketball on the courts of Europe was
realized.
However, Spike’s childhood, while full of great fun with family and friends,
included some responsibilities not common to most. A crippling childhood
accident, which caused his sister some lifelong paralysis, adding the
responsibility of protector. He admired his sister tremendously for her grit
and determination despite her physical limitations. During some of life’s
most challenging times, he would remember the strength she displayed
and found it to help him press through.
Many of you may be reflecting on the occasion you played golf or the time
you met for a drink and a good cigar as you listened to some great jazz at
one of the latest “hot spots”. You may have engaged in a debate or been a
traveling companion to many of the locations where he served as a
consultant/trainer or mentor. Some of you may have been a recipient of
his lifelong dedication to helping young men and women to become their
best. You may have met Spike at one of the many firehouses where he
was stationed or enjoyed one of his “firehouse special” meals.
It was during Spike’s years as a Saint Louis firefighter that many of you got
to know him. You could be one of the recipients of his training or were you
a member of F.I.R.E? Did you fight alongside him to dissolve the racial
inequity that was deeply ingrained in the St. Louis Fire Department? Were you one of his dedicated companions who helped Implement the Smoke
Detector Program for city residents? Did you experience his skills as a
faculty member at Dillard University, or served with him as a member of
the South-Central Region International Association of Black Professional
Firefighters, Inc.?
Could you have been in the audience when he received an award for his
dedicated service from IABPFF for his commitment and contribution to
this meritorious organization? Did you applaud when he received the
Meritorious Service Award, from the St. Louis Executive Development
Institute? And you certainly could not have missed him receiving the
E.S.O.P. Honors for his 34 years of dedication by the Ethical Society of
Police.
Spike joined the fire department on September 10, 1972, became
Captain in 1980, Battalion Chief in 1986, and retired as Acting Battalion
Chief in June 2007. Even after his retirement, he continued to be a
resource and aide to many who regularly sought out his advice,
conducting more than 100 workshops and seminars across the country
where participants have been promoted to fire captains and fire chiefs.
Many of you fought fires, many of you fought discrimination, and maybe
some of you had to do some real fist-fighting alongside Spike.
Was your formal introduction to Spike when you read his book, “The Fire
Within”? This memoir was written with the hope of sharing Spike’s
experiences that occurred in his life illustrating the trials and tribulations
he faced in the fire service. Could you be in his book because of your
shared experiences?
As you can see there were many opportunities to get to know William
Jones.
He was larger than life in many ways. Whether it was his well-dressed
stature or his booming voice as he shared one of his many stories, his
presence left a lasting impression.
On October 28, 1983, Spike married Catheline Gunn. During their
marriage of forty years, they had two children, Omar and Keisha. As
Spike traveled through the final months and weeks of his life, he sought
the comfort of home and the affection of his wife, and the presence of
his children and grandchildren. Their commitment to one another was
evident.
Spike was the proud father of Melanie (Aziz), Terrence (Kiara), Omar
(Jenisha), Keisha, and Taylor (Rosemary). He was especially proud of his
eight grandchildren: Alim, Jala, Amir, Alahna, Nehemiah, Maleah, Issac,
and Pryce. Those were declared his most enjoyable times. And he was
excitedly waiting for the birth of a grandchild that was yet to be born
before his passing.
As you can see, Spike was loved by many. In addition to his wife,
Catheline; his children; grandchildren; and extended family, there will be
countless friends throughout the country who will miss his knowledge
and his heroic efforts.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?