David R. Jones Jr.

1937-2022

David R. Jones Jr. died peacefully in Socorro, New Mexico, on January 16, 2022, at the age of 84. David was called to eternal rest at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was a cherished husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle.

David was born in Socorro, New Mexico on October 6, 1937 to David R. Jones Sr. and Josefita Baca-Jones. At the young age of 10, David went to work at his family’s Texaco Gas Station. After graduating from Socorro High School in 1955, he went on to work for his family’s restaurants, Socorro Café and Shirley’s Café where he developed a love for cooking that lasted throughout his life.  David worked for many Socorro businesses including, Davy Jones Locker and The Road Runner. In a career spanning 25 years at New Mexico Tech, he was instrumental in creating their first catering service. He later went on to a position at Macey Center, where he oversaw various events including the NMT Performing Art Series, art exhibits, weddings and recitals. David had a strong work ethic, true to form, after retirement he went back to work at The Ranchers Steakhouse and stayed busy volunteering in the community.

His many contributions to the Socorro community are evident in the work he did outside of his career. David was an active and dedicated member of Socorro Masonic Lodge and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. One of his favorite annual activities was waking up early Easter Sunday and heading down to the church with his grill, to begin the task of making breakfast for everyone enjoying the Sunrise Service. He continued this tradition until he was physically unable to. He dedicated over 30 years of service to the Socorro City Council and served as Mayor from 1988 to 1990. He also assisted Socorro High School students by teaching cooking classes. David’s passion for work and dedication emanated from all that he did.

The simple pleasures of life brought great joy to David. He loved an evening out with family at the Owl Bar for a green chile cheeseburger and an ice-cold beer. He enjoyed time spent in the yard planting fruit trees, tending to grape vines, and working in his vegetable garden. David also enjoyed taking his family outdoors to explore the Bosque, Water Canyon, and Socorro County back roads.  Along with David’s love for the New Mexico outdoors, his compassion for helping others is instilled in his children and will live on forever. He had the ability to always find happiness and humor in all of life’s challenges. His kind, fun-loving personality was contagious to everyone he met. David will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Wilma Janosov, and nephew Wendell “Chico” Jones II.

David is survived by his wife of 50 years, Geri Jones. He is also survived by his three siblings; Lynda (Pete) Davoll, Wendell (Kathe) Jones, and Howard (Marilyn) Jones, and his children; David R. (Gwen) Jones III, Stephanie (Brently) Wilkerson, Jason (Chelsea) Jones, Jessica (Daniel) McManus, Amanda Jones, and grandchildren; Jennifer, Ryan, Jason, Kasey, Jason D, Kailee, Jordan, Alexis, Emilia, Maren, and great-grandchildren; Kobe, Mia, Evelyn, Hudson, Rhett, and Armani, and extended family; Donna, Joanne, Laura, Suzanne, Jennifer, Michelle, and Jon.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Socorro Masonic Lodge or Shriners Hospitals for Children.