Michael S. Jones, 66, former president and CEO of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce died February 5 from leukemia. Friends note that throughout his life Jones worked to make his community better.
While heading the Chamber, Jones brought new members into the group and pushed for commercial investment in the Crenshaw area, including a Leimert Park station on the Expo line and successful renovation of the Baldwin Hills Mall.
A champion of small businesses, he coached developing entrepreneurs and provided training, often through his Success Management consulting company.
Jones also served as an executive director of the Crenshaw YMCA and did fundraising for both the Crenshaw and Weingart branches.
A proud graduate of Susan Miller Dorsey High School, Jones participated in the Motivated Men, an organization of alumni who mentored male students and provided support for the campus. After Dorsey, Michael attended Pacific University in Forest Grove Oregon, choosing to stay in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years.
Always willing to share his expertise, Jones was a member of several Toastmasters clubs, including Justice Masters.
A man of faith, he served on the Board of Trustees of Holman United Methodist Church and was active throughout his decades-long membership.
Jones is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart Jacki Williams-Jones; his former wife LaVeta Jones; children Gabriel Jones (Katherine); LeAnn Jones Wiles (Kristian); Michael Emmanuel Jones (Sarah), Charisse Williams Laredo (Dave); Oquendo Jones Kimbrough (Jennifer); and 10 grandchildren, along with a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation on March 10 and a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. on March 11 will both be held at Angelus Funeral Home. Due to limited capacity, the celebration will be live-streamed. For additional information visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelsjones. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the City of Hope at https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/give/286522/#!/donation/checkout.
