Jerrel Jones '65 August 23, 2024 3:58 PM updated: August 23, 2024 4:06 PM
Jerrel Boyd Jones
November 7, 1935 - July 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerrel Boyd Jones, who departed this life on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on November 7, 1935, near Sulphur Springs in Hopkins County, Texas, to James Boyd and Ruth Olympia (née Stephens) Jones, Jerrel grew up in Dallas, Texas, and lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. He married Patsy Ruth (née Stevens) Jones on November 28, 1958.
Jerrel was a beloved member of the community, known for his kind heart, service to his community, and commitment to his family and friends. He graduated from N. R. Crozier Technical High School, where he was the Salutatorian of his class. Jerrel then went on to earn a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1958 and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1960. He taught Electrical Engineering at SMU and Texas A & M Universities from 1958 to 1965 while completing the course work for a PhD in Electrical Engineering specializing in Antennas, Field Theory and Propagation with research in Field Aligned Irregularities (FAI) under an NSF Science Faculty Grant. He was a member of the Sigma Tau, Eta Kappa Nu, and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Societies.
Jerrel’s professional career was marked by significant achievements in the field of electrical engineering. He worked with prestigious organizations such as RAND Corporation, Temco Aircraft, LTV Electro systems, and E-Systems. He specialized in airborne intercept and direction-finding systems, spanning high- through microwave-frequency ranges. His work involved designing, developing, building, testing, installing, and evaluating advanced technology radar and communications systems for many classified projects, including Stealth Aircraft, Global Hawk, and Predator drones.
An avid Amateur Radio Operator, Jerrel used all types of operation, all frequency bands, all modes, and all new technologies under the call sign W5TUU. He was deeply involved in the amateur radio community and was a life member of the Texas VHF-FM Society and the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA). He served as President of the DFW Chapter of the Association of Old Crows (Electronic Warfare Specialists), President of the Plano Amateur Radio Club, and President of the Dallas Chapter 41 of QCWA. He also served as the National Director of the QCWA, co- hosting the 2003 National Convention with his wife Patsy.
Jerrel and Patsy were also active members of Masonic Fraternal Organizations, holding numerous local, state, national, and international offices. Notably, Jerrel was involved in Knights Templar, serving as Past Commander and Drill at McKinney No. 34, Past Commander at Denison No. 24, Past Excellent Chief, Past Governor, and Past High Priest at Rose of Sharon, Council of Knight Masons No. 49, and Past Thrice Illustrious Master at Rose of Sharon, Haggai Council No. 38, as well as many other lodges and positions.
Jerrel was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Plano and Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney. He served as an elder and sang in the choir at both churches, where his faith and musical talents were greatly valued.
Throughout his life, Jerrel was passionate about traveling, cruises, and RV camping. He was an active genealogist, where he dedicated much of his time and energy researching Patsy and his family histories. Toward the end of his retirement, his legacy of service continued at Solstice Senior Living where he served as an ambassador and was affectionately known by some as “The Mayor.”
Jerrel was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Patsy; his parents; his brother Glenn Allen Jones; and his grandson Joseph Warren Jones. He is survived by his three children, Steven A. (MaryLinda) Jones, Patrick Scott (Polly) Jones, and Carolyn S. (Newt) Spurgin; six grandchildren, Elisa (Jeremy) Thompson, Robin (Josh) Maher, Colton (Vantanee) Spurgin, Jordan (LaVontae) Jefferson, Betsy (Garrett) Hawkins, and Grant Spurgin; and six great-grandchildren; and many more beloved family members and close friends.
Jerrel's memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
A memorial service to honor Jerrel's life will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 2:00 PM at Solstice Senior Living at Plano, 1940 W. Spring Creek Parkway.