Steven Lee Jones, MSgt. USAF (Retired)
August 17, 1951 – February 28, 2019

Our PJ brother, Steven Lee Jones, age 67, of Inverness, FL passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on February 28, 2019.

Steve graduated from PJ school in 1970 and was first assigned to SEA where he flew over 100 combat missions saving several lives. He received numerous awards to include the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Air Medals, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, to name a few. Steve had several assignments during his PJ career. While assigned to the Pararescue school as a medical instructor, Steve suffered an injury during a parachute jump damaging his back. Unable to maintain jump status, he was reassigned to the Air Force communication system field until retiring at MacDill AFB FL in1986.

Steven spent 41 years with his true love, Deborah Ellen (Miller) Jones. They made Citrus County their home in 2010 after relocating from Pasco County and had traveled throughout the United States and Southeast Asia extensively. Stateside, they traveled together in their R.V. and had visited every national forest in the contiguous 48 states. In his spare time, Steven enjoyed scuba diving, riding horses and teaching others. He had a great love for his country and his family.

In addition to his wife Deborah, those left to mourn Steven’s passing include his mother, Diane Jones; son, Jake Jones; brother, Larry Jones; sisters: Jacqueline Jones, Cathy Sprigg and Lorraine La Chance. In addition to his father, Steven was preceded in death by his daughter, Jessie Jones in 1997.

Steven will be laid to rest on March 15 at 11am with a committal service at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. There will be full military honors rendered by the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard. We will assemble at 9:30 am at Chase E. Davis Funeral Home 3075 South Florida Ave, Inverness FL 34450 for the procession to the National cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Steven’s memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Steve’s son Jake (617-995-4093) expressed: “Dad is following the trail of green feet to be with his PJ brothers in the sky, it’s just an extended TDY.” Those of us who have stories or pictures and would like to share with the family, they said it would be most appreciated. Condolence cards can be sent to; Deborah Jones, 5455 Concord Terrace, Inverness FL 34450 – (352-419-7095).

There will be a gathering and celebration of Life at the address above at 6pm.

Some of us did not know Steve or just met him in passing with a hand shake. Those that worked with and knew him hold him in high regard as a warrior PJ, who now joins the squadron of PJ Rescue Angels who have made their final jump. Steve was a Life Member of the Pararescue Association.