Tributes

Mr. Jimmie L. Jones was born in Manor, Texas. He attended Austin Public Schools. Mr. Jones was drafted in to the United States Army in 1952 where he worked in Communications as Radio Interpreter and served two (2) years in Germany. After hearing Eddie Fisher (singer) at one of the USO Shows, he became determined to pursue an education in music. Once he returned to the United States he was encouraged to enroll in Huston-Tillotson College (now University). He sang in the President’s Quartet. Faculty and administrators that influenced him during that time included Dr. J.J. Seabrook, Professors Harriet King, Bert Adams, Dorothy Campbell Cashaw, Aaron Cash and Nathaniel Williams. Also during that time, renowned composer/conductor Fred Warren visited the campus and composed Huston-Tillotson’s Alma Mater. In 1958, Mr. Jimmie Jones received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. He also earned his Master Barber’s License (Dallas, Texas). He later took graduate music courses at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Also, he took courses in small engine repair and carpentry. Jimmie taught band at Hopewell High School in Round Rock, Texas where he composed the school song and became the first black music supervisor in Williamson County to have the first black student successfully compete and participate in the University of Texas at Austin Interscholastic All-State Band Competition. He was never acknowledged for “opening this door”. Upon recommendation from the late Dr. John Q. King, President of Huston-Tillotson College (now University), became the Music Director at Gary Job Corps. He immediately began a stellar series of outstanding performance (locally, regionally and nation-wide) for many dignitaries including President Lyndon Johnson, Representative Jake Pickle an others. Mr. Jones served in this capacity for thirty (30) years. Some of Jimmie’s performances over the past (20) years include: guest appearances with Willie Nelson, HT Austin Alumni Chapter’s Annual Jazz/Blues Festivals, Steak Island, 40 Acres Combo, and Sophisticates Ensemble (directed by Dr. Beulah Agnes Jones). Jimmie plays the piano, organ, alto sax, clarinet, guitar, and bass. He is also a composer and arranger. He was born into music, loving every moment of it at his uncles-owned venues, Spanada and Charlie’s Playhouse on East 11th and 12th Streets, respectively, as well as “The Chicken Shack.” He frequently performs as a vocalist/clarinetist in a local Dixieland Group. Mr. Jones is a faithful member of the Church of the New Testament where he served as lead musician for over 40 years. He previously served as an assistant musician at the Metropolitan AME Church. He is also a member of Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc. Jimmie “Pops” leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Dr. Beulah A. C. Jones, son Christopher “Mac” Macintosh, brother Frank Young, student from Job Corp Ana Ruth Martinez, and host of endearing nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all from whom he learned or taught.

Tributes

Jimmie Lee "POPS" Jones

September 13, 1927 - March 11, 2020