Arnester "Ike" Jones, Sr.

Arnester “Sam” Jones was born on November 25, 1934 in Shaw, Missisippi to Sam and Thelma Jones. Arnester was the eldest son and was very helpful to his family at home and on the farms. At the age of 16, his grandmother Lucy needed him to drive her and grandpa back and forth to California. There he encountered farming such as cotton, OH NO, and other produce. He thought upon leaving Shaw, he had left all of that behind. He was his grandparents biggest help as needed. That is until he decided to enlist in the Air Force. 

After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Arnester was transferred to Portland Oregon Air Force Base, where he served for two years. Fellow air force buddies decided to give him the name of “lke”. In 1955 he met Betty Jo Robinson, wedded in 1957 and to this union Bessie, Arnester Jr., Bruce and Brittany were born. 

After his stint with the military, he was employed at a car shop, Esco and Coast Janitorial Service, and worked two jobs at a time, which means he was a good provider and a workaholic. Ike provided and cared for his family, and he loved traveling. He enjoyed playing pool and cards. He took particular care with his vegetable garden, cooking, especially his popular homemade biscuits and LARD CAKES.
While attending a parent child meeting, he reacquainted himself with a former Air Force friend, who was pastoring a church in N. Portland. After visiting the church several times, he and his family joined that church, Berean Baptist Church. As a member he used his spiritual gifts to serve God and members and built many lasting relationships. 

Arnester married Arneda Peters in 1989, and was loved by her family. He became a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Johnny Pack as the leader, and attended as often as possible due to his illnesses. 

Preceding him in death is his son, Bruce Irl Jones, parents, Sam and Thelma Jones, brothers, Curtis, Anthony, George and sister, Mary Lee Collins. 

Arnester leaves to cherish his memory, children, Bessie Strickland, Arnester Jr., Brittany Jones, sisters Marie Ware, Shaw, Mississippi, Sammie Lee Burtin, Gary, Indiana, Thelma Diggs, Portland, Oregon, Daisy Woods (Eddie) Kansas City, Kansas, brother Clinton Jones, Seattle, Washington, twelve grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and special friend Mary Golden. 

Arnester, “Sam, Ike” Jones, father, grand and great grandfather, we love you and will miss you dearly. You will be forever in our hearts. 

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