Born in Macon, North Carolina

Apostle James R. Jones, son of the late Lydia and Jeremiah Jones Sr., was born on May 2, 1937 in Macon, North Carolina. It was here where he received his education in the Warren County Training School.  He graduated with high honors in 1955.  Additionally, during his youth in Macon, he was a member and Sunday school teacher at New Bethel Baptist Church.

 

Joined the Air Force

After graduating, Apostle enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1960, at which time he relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. On May 19, 1962, Apostle married Ann Harvey. From their union was born one daughter, Valerie Jones. 

 

A Man of Talent

Apostle was a man of talent.  He was a formidable boxer and a linebacker for the semi-pro football team, the Baltimore Rams.  He was an avid sports lover, but as time progressed His love for God elevated all the more.

 

A Faithful Servant

Under the leadership of Bishop Wilbur S. Watson, Apostle Jones joined the Olivet Baptist Church in 1970.  Here, he faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, and a Deacon.  

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Leader of the Prayer Band

On October 8, 1972, Apostle was called into the ministry and began preaching on the streets of Baltimore City. Additionally, he was the leader of the Prayer Band.  These where services that were conducted out of his home. 

 

Founded Community Church of Christ

By January 31, 1975, during his nineteenth year of employment as a Truck Driver with B. Green, Apostle was led to Pastor full-time in his own ministry. Thus, he founded and became pastor of the Community Church of Christ. This ministry was founded on the Word of God. Its single goal was soul winning and reaching the lost at any cost. 

 

Opened the Doors at 1501 N. Eden Street

Therefore, Bishop Carl Lyle ordained him as an Elder on March 16, 1975. Make note, a great part of Apostle’s ministry was the well-being of both elderly and young people. 

Community’s membership was steadily growing, therefore, relocating was a necessity. So, on February 8, 1976, the church moved to 1501 N. Eden Street and the Lord gave Apostle Jones a vision.  In that vision, the Lord let him know that in seven years we would build a church from the ground up. 

 

Marched into 1002 Somerset Street

Sure enough, God fulfilled the vision.  On March 20, 1983, one hundred forty-eight members marched into the newly built church located at 1002 Somerset Street. It was an exciting time in the Lord.  Before long, 1985 to be exact, our Pastor was elevated to the office of Bishop; and, one year later he established the Community Christian Academy for grade kindergarten thru grade twelve.

 

Consecrated to the office of Apostle

The Lord continued to move in his life and in March 1999, Pastor was consecrated to the office of Apostle.  It was in October of this same year that an umbrella of ten ministries became the United Ministries of Deliverance, U.M.O.D. Five years later, in 2004 the Community Christian Academy College Institute & Seminary was established.

 

Authored Two Books

Apostle was the author of two books.  The first entitled “Crusades for Christ” and the second entitled “Looking Up to Teaching and Training.” Another fact about Apostle Jones was that he was a strong, yet humble, and down to earth man.  He held firm to impartiality.  There were “No Big I’s or Little U’s.” His truism was that everyone was on common ground. He was full of Godly wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  Apostle demonstrated love and generosity to the people of God.

 

Devoted Husband and Father

In conclusion, but certainly not least, Apostle Jones was a devoted husband and father.  His union with the late 1st Lady, Ann “Sweetie Mae” Jones lasted forty-five years. His daughter Valerie Jones-Keys, son-in-law Jerome Keys, and two granddaughters as well, residing in Texas. Without reservation Valerie, her extended family, the congregation, and the many friends, greatly miss Apostle and 1st Lady Ann. He was a holy man of God, full of integrity. He was, undeniably, a Christian leader.  We are grateful for the impact that he had in our lives and in the lives of countless others.