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T. Sgt. Wayne R. Jones, 42, was killed in a parachuting accident on Sunday, September 27, 1998, near Nellis, AFB, NV. He is survived by his wife, Jean of the family home; children, Jessica, Mali, Aaron, and Charles of the family home, and Jason of Destin, FL; mother, Marion Jones; and brother, Glenn Jones and wife, Rhonda, all of Parkersburg, WV. TSgt. Jones was the NCOIC of the Air Operations phase of the 342 TRS, Det. I Pararescue school here at Kirtland Air Force Base. He had been the instructor at the Parajump school for the last four years and was scheduled to retire from the Air Force in May of 1999. TSgt. Jones was from Kearny, NJ. He entered the US Air Force on August 6, 1978 and was a pararescue man for his entire career. He was a veteran of Desert Storm withy over 1,000 flight hours and 502 parachute jumps. He was heavily involved in recovering space hardware during"To Catch a Falling Star" missions while stationed in Hickham AFB, HI in the early eighties. He was qualified as a NASA space shuttle recovery specialist, specializing in RAMZ (Rapid Alternate Method Zodiac) techniques and procedures while stationed at Eglin AFB in the late eighties. TSgt. Jones was credited with over 20"saves" during operational missions throughout his career. His assignments also included Osan A.F.B., Republic of Korea, and Eglin, and Hurlburt A.F.B.'s. Arrangements for services, military escorts, and casket bearers have been provided by fellow members of Wayne's U.S. Air Force Pararescue Unit. Services will be held Monday, October 5, 1998, 10:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church, 101 Broadway Blvd. NE, with Chaplain Earl G. Sprague, Chaplain Jeff James, and Rev. Ray Gillespie officiating. Interment will take place Monday, 3:00 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas NE, Sunday, October 4, 1998, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Although Wayne has accomplished many things in his life, undoubtably his relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ, was paramount. The love os his life was his bride, Jean. Not only was he a husband, but a friend. He cherished her and loved her with an everlasting love. He was a loving daddy and friend to his children as well. He delighted in his fatherhood. To his friends, he was a mentor, an example, an encourager, and a joy. Our comfort is that our Wayne is now in the presence of his Lord."Thank you Mr. Wayne". Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be given for scholarships to benefit the Children of Wayne Jones, c/o Kirtland Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 80570, 87108. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
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