Mr. Curtis J. Jones, Jr.

Curtis James Jones, Jr. was born on October 15, 1926 in Harlem, New York to Alice and Curtis James Jones, Sr. He attended the New York City public schools. As a youngster, he would hustle to make money by selling fruit/vegetables, newspapers and shining shoes. He worked in the U.S. Post Office as a shipping clerk. His tenure with the U.S. Navy began January 27, 1945 until April 15, 1946. He was a Carpenter’s Mate Third Class USNR and was discharged with honorable service. He was awarded the following medals: American Theater Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. After serving in the Navy, Curtis worked factory jobs. He also worked in a dry cleaner as a presser. He married Dolores Jackson in August of 1948. From this union two daughters were born: Marilyn Denise and Raven Annette. He loved and adored his “little girls”. Curtis and Dolores lived with her family in Harlem. After the birth of the second girl, Curtis made a very “wise” decision and moved his family to Brooklyn. They resided in the Farragut Housing Projects for eight years. In 1952, Curtis began his career with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). He started as a station porter, went on to token clerk, conductor and finished his career as a motorman. He worked 38 years for the MTA. Curtis enjoyed a variety of music genres especially Jazz. He had an extensive collection of mostly Jazz albums and CD’s as well as all types of stereo equipment. He enjoyed photography, fishing, cooking and reading the daily newspapers. His passion was going to the Flea market at Green Acres (Valley Stream). He spent many years (Saturday/Sundays) there. It was like his “second home”. At the flea market or the “market” as he called it (especially the “back row”) was where he met and became friends with many vendors. He enjoyed finding the “special” items at a great price. This led to a lifelong accumulation of “collectibles” in his home. The market was a social meeting place for him and he looked forward to going every weekend. Curtis also enjoyed traveling, fixing and repairing just about anything. Although he was mostly a loner, Curtis enjoyed and cherished the friendships that he had. Once a person took the time to get to know him, they found someone who was a loyal friend. He was always willing to offer advice and to help in any way that he could. One of his sayings was “But for the grace of God go I”. During the latter stage of his life, with much resistance at first, he attended the Rockaway Beach Senior Center. It took a lot of coaxing by his daughter to get him to attend. Once he was there, he slowly became involved and participated in some of the activities. He did enjoy the lunches which were a bargain at $2.00. The Director, Fay, had a major part in “cracking that hard shell of Curtis’. She helped him to feel welcomed into the “senior community” there. He looked forward to being picked up in the van, talking and laughing with the other seniors. Although Curtis was not a church-goer, he did in his later years accept and receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Curtis leaves to cherish his memory: daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn D. Whitaker (Ralph) and Raven A. Wilson (Harold). Grandchildren: Tara Denise, Justin Pierce (Chasity), Kristen Marie (Jason). Great Grandchildren: Antonio Kyle, Tory Darien, K'Jouri, Jamal Alexander, Clinton Marcel, Tyriq, Jehod, Navaeh, Amir and Jahlil. Great-Great Grandchildren: Samira, Kimiah, Torii, Carter, and Logan. Niece: Perita Greer and daughters, Kelli and Shannon. Nephews: Alexander Greer, Bryan Fisher. Cousin: Winfield Leonard Oston, other family and friends.

Mr. Curtis J. Jones, Jr.

July 19, 1926 - May 1, 2015