PROFILE OF MUSEUM VOLUNTEER: JUDY JONES

Judy Elkins Jones was born on April 26, 1941 in Pryor, Oklahoma to Eugene and Maxine Elkins.  Judy was the family’s third sibling, along with two sisters, Jeanetta and Patricia, as well as an older brother Raymond.  She grew up in the small town of Yukon, where she learned that being neighborly and helping your community was a way of life. She has chosen to live her life based upon these principles, and has been richly rewarded with wonderful friends and memorable experiences.  She attended Yukon elementary and high schools and studied at Oklahoma City University, where she graduated with a BA in business administration.

Judy moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1964. There she met her future husband Brian and they married on March 5, 1977.  After working in the auto parts business for many years, Judy formed a partnership with a former colleague to open her own store in Puyallup, Washington.  The venture thrived while the family raised their two daughters, Lorene and Terri.  When the girls graduated from high school, Brian and Judy went through the “empty nest” syndrome and decided to move to a warmer climate.

The Jones’ moved from the Seattle/Tacoma area to Fresno, California in 1982. Fresno’s sunny climate and friendly people made them feel right at home, so they decided to settle there, and join the San Joaquin Valley community. After her retirement in 1995, as office manager for Fresno Tractor, Judy’s world of volunteerism began.  Brian has service connected disability’s, that he acquired during service in Vietnam.  There he received three purple hearts and a Bronze Star with a “V” device. Through Brian’s Vietnam service, Judy was eligible to become a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. She is now an active member, and understands the importance of being an activist to insure the continuance and adoption of veteran entitlements.  In their veterans’ activities, the Jones’ have become closer, and have developed a deep understanding of the needs of our nation’s veterans.  Their active memberships include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  Brian is also a member of the 25^th Infantry Division in Selma.

Judy thoroughly enjoys being an active member of the VFW ladies auxiliary and has served in that organization in various capacities including Auxiliary President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, District 11 President, as well as several State chairman posts. She has always felt fortunate, as well as honored, to serve the veterans of Fresno and the surrounding communities. She has volunteered at the Veterans Hospital, the annual veterans “Stand Down,” and as secretary of the Veterans Day Parade Committee.k

Judy and Brian have six grandchildren.  Judy’s volunteering has led both their daughters to become involved in the veteran’s community and they have become great advocates of veteran issues. Both daughters are members of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, and are active community volunteers.

Judy says her most enjoyable volunteering has been at the Legion of Valor Museum, where she serves as an administrative assistant to the Director Art Hill. This position has put her in weekly contact not only with our veterans, but with students and members of the community who visit the museum for its wonderful history lessons and educational benefits.