Jesse L. Jones Sr.

Jesse L. Jones Sr., 79, of Columbus, passed away at OSU East Hospital on November 13, 2025.

He was born on October 15, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Leroy and Thomasina Jones. A man of honor and quiet strength, he proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne. Throughout his life, he touched countless others—as a beloved soccer coach, a loyal member of the Just Us Jazz Club, an award-winning rib chef who dedicated time to feeding the needy. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a loving father, roles he cherished most deeply.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Michelle Jones; children, Lt. Cassandra (Major Mark) Dougherty, Jesse (Sheila) Jones Jr., Regina Blakely, Ricky Jones, and Sean (Menya) McDowell ; grandchildren, Gavriel McDowell, Jediya McDowell, Sean McDowell Jr., Nadia McDowell, and several other grandchildren; siblings, Julius Jones, Melvin Jones, Valarie Jones, Laura Myers, and Daniel Jones; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Patricia, Kojak, and Ricky; and his parents.

A funeral service will take place at 12 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025 in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Family and friends may visit from 11 AM until the time of the service on Friday.

Donations may be made in Jesse’s memory to The Kidney Foundation: www.kfohio.org

To leave an online condolence and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.