In Memoriam

Walter Jones, Jr, was born on March 15, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Walter was the oldest of three children born to the late Walter Jones, Sr. and the late Rubye Edmonds Jones. Walter and his two sisters, Elaine and Darlene, enjoyed a happy childhood in their West Philadelphia neighborhood. Walter was a cub and boy scout, and loved playing sports and games, particularly baseball and softball. Walter’s father died when he was 15 years old, and in an effort to share the burden of family expenses, Walter got his first job at a butcher shop when he was still in high school. Not only did Walter earn spending money, he developed a lifelong interest in cooking.

After making hisway through Philadelphia public school system at James Rhodes Elementary School, Vare Junior High School, and Overbrook High School, Walter head to college at Penn State University. He was an active and engaged college student. One of the highlights of Walter’s college years was his affiliation with Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc., an organization committed to promoting fellowship, community service and positive images of Black men. The organization suited Walter’s sense of friendship and cultural pride, values that Walter would carry with him throughout his life. He and his “Arrogant 8” line brothers were enthusiastic party-going Groovers.

Walter began his professional career as a heavy equipment operator at Philadelphia State Hospital. In 1976, Walter shifted his career goals to focus on helping persons suffering with serious mental illness and joined the staff at Norristown State Hospital . In 1994, Walter graduated from Temple University’s radiology technology program and took on a second job as a portable X-ray technician. Walter enjoyed a long and rewarding career at Norristown State Hospital. In 2016, after 40 years of dedicated service, he retired from his position as a Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor.

Walter’s life orbited around family. In 1985, Walter met Taryn Mason, the lovely woman who would become his best friend and life partner. A twinkle started at a party. Walter bought Taryn a beautiful dress and taught her to dance. Six years and may dances later, Walter and Taryn were married on May 19, 1991. The handsome couple created a beautiful blended family that included Walter’s daughter Shimere and Taryn’s two sons, Irvin and Tivon. Walter was a devoted husband, an involved and engaged dad to their three children, and a doting grandfather affectionately called Babu.

Walter was a man of great faith whose journey with God began at an early age. Along with his parents and sisters, Walter attended Bibleway Apostolic Church and he was baptized at age 13. As an adult, Walter joined Siloam Baptist Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania and hit the ground running. Walter sang on the Male Chorus and was a member of the Property Committee, the Men;s Sunday Bible Study, and served as a Financial Counter. Taryn joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in 2011 and Walter enjoyed dual membership. He attended Bethlehem’s weekly Bible study and Men’s Fellowship.

With an engaging personality and wonderful sense of humor, Walter brought life to any gathering. And he took great pride in African American cultural traditions. He loved jazz, gospel, and house full of family, close friends and good food. Walter traveled with his family in the United States to teach them how to enjoy life and culture. Walter and Taryn traveled to Ghana, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, and destinations throughout the Caribbean. Walter was an impeccable dresser whose debonair style and polish reflected his strong sense of self-respect. He was also an avid collector of Negro League baseball memorabilia.

Walter’s passion for baseball and softball began to take shape when he was a young boy. In grade school, Walter played baseball with the Jayhawks and was a part of both the Overbrook High School and Penn State baseball teams. Throughout adulthood, Walter played softball with three community teams, the Dirty Nine, the Hac’s Pac, and the Bounty Hunters. He also was a standout player on the Norristown State Hospital softball team.

Walter departed this life on November 13, 2018, but not before showing us his true measure of a man. Walter was kind, gentle, intelligent, and selfless. He was a husband and provider, a present and engaged father and grandfather a devoted son and brother, and a loyal friend. Throughout Walter’s life, he was affectionately known as Junie, June Bug, Doc, and Blue Kangaroo. Theses names reflect the love and admiration of a vast and loving family and community that include: Walter’s devoted wife, Taryn Mason Jones; children, Shimere Barbara Hakimah Cutler Jones, Irvin H. Chavous and Tivon M. Chavous; six grandchildren Damadia Moody, Mya Brown, Saanai Kaori Jones, JayDen Chavous Tickner, Irvin H. Chavous IV, and Rylee Chavous; two sisters Elaine (Wynnfield) Smith and Darlene (Harvey) Parham; parents-in-law, Charles and Henrietta Mason; one brother-in-law, Cahrles (Jacquelyn) Mason; one aunt and uncle, Mary and Titus Edmonds; two special Groove Phi Groove brothers, Eugene Thompson and Otto Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.