Jerry R. Jones (1939-2020)
May 11—Jerry R. Jones, a retired Maumee police lieutenant who helped cultivate the department, including its current police chief, will be celebrated by friends and family on May 15.
He died on Oct. 21, 2020, at his home in Fort Myers, Fla., of what the family believes to be a heart attack, but he wished to be buried back in his hometown, his nephew, Randy Jones, said. He was 81.
Services begin at 11 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, followed by a police procession to his favorite restaurant, Loma Linda's, 10400 Airport Highway, in Swanton. Maumee Police Chief Dave Tullis, who is retiring on May 17, will lead the procession.
"He was my supervisor and always a big supporter of me," said Chief Tullis, who joined the Maumee Police Department 1985 and worked under then-Lieutenant Jones until his retirement in 1996. "He developed me quite a bit and then I became a detective, then the sergeant, then the lieutenant, and then eventually the chief. He had a lot to do with that."
Police work was a big part of Mr. Jones' life.
He first worked for the Ottawa Hills Police Department before joining the Maumee Police Department, where he served 27 years in various roles.
One of his most notable yet least discussed roles was the nearly two years he spent working undercover facilitating drug buys for the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. He grew out his hair and beard, drove a Volkswagen Beetle, and even got his ear pierced, Randy Jones said.
"As soon as he was done, he never wore it again," he said of the piercing. "I think he just enjoyed all aspects of police work; he liked catching the bad guys."
Mr. Jones later became a firearms instructor and was instrumental transitioning the department's weaponry from the .357 Magnum Revolver, a wheel gun that carried up to six bullets, to a semi-automatic Smith & Wesson. He also helped develop the department's Special Response Unit.
Chief Tullis remembers him as a boss who taught him "to do everything you can in police work," and who showed compassion to young officers, like himself, in distress at sad and graphic crime scenes. The lieutenant always knew how to use humor to "help get me out of my funk," the chief said.
His step-daughter, Tammy Hobbes, recalls him as a wonderful man who "had a great impact" on her and her family for over 30 years. No matter where she lived in the United States or Canada, he would travel to see her.
Randy Jones described him as an impassioned man with a great sense of humor. He once recalled his uncle, who loved to collect car models, buying a 1970 Cadillac convertible. When he drove it home, he realized it wouldn't fit in his garage.
"He sold it six months later," Randy said, laughing at the memory. "I think everybody knew him for his sense of humor."
Mr. Jones was born in Toledo on Aug. 16, 1939, to Lyle G. and Nada Jones, and graduated from Libbey High School in 1957. He also served in the Ohio National Guard for six years obtaining the rank of staff sergeant.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sue Jones; sons Don and Jerry (Rob) Jones; stepdaughters Tammy Hobbes and Shawn Frayer Mackley; and eight grandchildren.
Per his wish, Mr. Jones will be buried next to his lifelong friend and fellow officer Charlie Chrisman, who died July 20, 2000. The two graduated high school together, worked at Ottawa Hills for a time, and both achieved the rank of lieutenant before retiring.
