CHICAGO — Eddie Jones II, political and security strategist, died at his home in Chicago on May 27, 2019 after a long illness. He was 67 years old.
Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Jones grew up in the historic Bronzeville community of Chicago. He attended Wendell Phillips High School on Chicago’s Southside and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2000. Jones was a business management graduate of Western Illinois University, a distinguished member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Phi Alpha security team. Through the security team, he provided security services for leaders of the fraternity and general members while mentoring and teaching others in the skilled area of security.
Fraternity brother Roosevelt Watkins, pastor of Bethlehem Star Baptist Church and community leader said of Jones:
“A great oak tree has fallen in our community. Eddie Jones was a Brother’s brother and a friend’s friend. I’ve known him for over 12 years working together in the Burnside, Chatham and Chesterfield communities to reduce crime, to reengage the disenfranchised and for overall community improvement. Eddie was a lifelong member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Iota Delta Lambda Chapter where I serve as current president. Eddie was very instrumental in me becoming an Alpha. He was not only my mentor; he was my sponsor. He was a servant who believed in giving back to his community. He walked among kings but never lost his common touch. Eddie introduced me to people across this nation. He was not only known on the district and regional level but also on the national level of Alpha and played a vital role with several of our national presidents. He will be missed but not forgotten.”
Nationally recognized for his impressive contributions to the business, civic and political landscape, Jones was the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions including: IBM President’s Volunteer Service Award from 2005 – 2008, Chicago Youth Center 2005 Yes I Can Award recipient, Elliott Donnelly 1999 Diamond of Donnelly Honoree, YMCA 1998 Black & Hispanic Corporate Achiever Honoree, and he was an Olympic Torch Bearer in 1996. He was also a part of the National Advance Staffs for Senators John Kerry and Hillary Clinton as well as President Bill Clinton, and the Chicago Advance Staff for then-Senator Barack Obama.
Jones enjoyed a 30-plus year career at IBM as a contract support manager. During his tenure, he was also a past president of The Chicago Black Network Group of IBM, a participant of the E-Mentor Program, IBM Oak Brook Community Action Council and IBM Corporate Contribution Committee.
After a successful career at IBM, Eddie launched his second career at All Points Security, Inc. His expertise in strategy and security afforded him the opportunity to travel internationally as part of the U.S. Presidential Delegation with the Clinton Administration.
Jones will also be remembered for his extensive work with IDeal Education Foundation, a nonprofit, community-based educational and charitable organization. He is credited with many of the foundation’s successes and partnerships.
Eddie served on the board of directors for various organizations, including Genesis Foundation – Holy Angels Catholic Church, Global Alliance Preparatory Charter School and was a past Chicago Area Project chairmen. He also served on several advisory councils throughout the nation.
He was known as much for his volunteer engagement as he was for his business prowess, which is evidenced by his work with Chicago Cares, Boy Scouts of America, Lawrence Hall Youth Services, South Central Community Services, Inc.’s Biddy Basketball program and Junior Achievement nonprofit.
Jones is survived by his children Iesha James, Matthew Jones, and Meghan Jones. He also leaves four grandchildren whom he doted on every available chance, as his family shared.
The Jones family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and condolences.
Funeral services are as follows:
Public Viewing:
Friday, June 7 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Calahan Funeral Home
7030 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL
Visitation:
Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m.
Funeral:
Saturday, June 8 at 11 a.m. at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church
754 E. 77th Street, Chicago, IL
Burial:
June 8, immediately following the funeral at Restvale Cemetery
11700 S. Laramie Avenue, Alsip, IL
For additional information, please contact Calahan Funeral Home: (773) 723-4400.
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