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<p><em>Joseph Dale “Joe” Jones</em> was born in Thibodeaux, LA on April 1, 1953 to the late Rita Mae and Joseph J. Jones. Joe was one of six children of the Jones family. He was a 1971 graduate of Saint James High School in Thibodeaux.</p>
<p>Joe was appointed to West Point in 1971 and was assigned to Company F, 4th Regiment. In the summer of 1973, Cadet Jones attended summer training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. Joe became a program manager at the cadet radio station WKDT. He was one of the most popular broadcast DJs, broadcasting under the air name “God Papa.” Joe continued his devotion to Catholicism by being a member of the Catholic Chapel Choir throughout his days at West Point. </p>
<p>Joe, upon graduation from West Point, married Cheryl Curry. He was appointed second lieutenant and stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. Joe completed the basic Air Defense officer course at Fort Bliss and was transferred to Spangdahlem, Germany. Joe completed his tour in Germany and returned to El Paso. Joe, while at Fort Bliss, was promoted to captain. Joe and Cheryl had two daughters during their marriage, Heather and Candice. </p>
<p>During his tour at Fort Bliss, Joe suffered a severe stroke and became paralyzed on the left side of his body. He was medically discharged from the Army and transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center for rehabilitation. While having multiple medical setbacks, Joe continued to maintain a positive outlook on his life and later accepted a position at the U.S. Patent Office in Alexandria, VA.</p>
<p>Joe worked in the Office of Civil Rights while at the U.S. Patent Office. The office was responsible for civil rights law, equal employment opportunity, and disability law. Fellow workers remember Joe as caring and nurturing of young employees. Joe became an advocate for people with disabilities. Joe was also involved in the African American, Persons with Disabilities, and Veterans subcommittees. He was instrumental helping to develop the USPTO’s Reasonable Accommodation Program. </p>
<p>Joe enjoyed the Washington, DC environment, from the historical locations to the monuments honoring those who have served. In January 2009, Joe married Leonarda Lingad and gained a stepdaughter, Melissa. Joe loved his family. He often took Heather and Candice on dinner cruises down the Potomac River, discussing his favorite sports teams with Candice or the latest political developments with Heather. He is also remembered for his great Louisiana cooking.</p>
<p>Joe remained in the metropolitan Washington, DC area for over 30 years. He passed away on August 5, 2012 at Virginia Hospital Center. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Leonarda Jones; his children, Ms. Candice Jones and Dr. Heather Jones; his stepdaughter, Mrs. Melissa Lingad Gatpayat; and his sisters, Dr. Sheryl Jones, Mrs. Naomi Jones, and Mrs. Nadine Taylor.</p>
<p>Classmates remember Joe for his warm and happy smile, which he displayed at all times. He was an outstanding athlete who contributed significantly to the company’s standing in corps squad intermural sports. Joe remained true to his faith even while enduring unbearable medical issues.</p>
<p>The Bible passage that best represented Joe’s attitude toward his disability could easily be <em>Psalm</em> 23. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”</p>
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