Lewis Edward Jones

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Our Lady of Light Church in Descanso for Lewis Edward Jones, 81, who passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Alvarado Hospital after a short illness. Calling hours will be Friday, October 6, 2017 at Legacy Funeral & Cremation Care, 7043 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm with a Rosary at 4:30 pm. Lewis was born January 2, 1936 in Providence, RI, the son of Jennie Senft Jones of Rhode Island and Gerald O. Jones of Slater, Wyoming. He graduated from Helix High in 1954 and joined the Army National Guard and Army Reserves, being honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, and held Associates degrees in accounting, police science, and business administration. His true calling was the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, which he joined in 1959 as a patrol officer and achieved many top command posts, retiring as Captain in 1993. He was best known for cutting through red tape to efficiently run the Descanso jail, building a print shop and educational center with the inmate labor and welfare funds. After retirement, Captain Jones continued to work with the Sheriff’s department as a consultant on jail issues, working 4000 career days as a sheriff. He then accepted a position with Viejas Casino as Chief of Security from 1995 – 2002. “Eagle One” ran a diverse, efficient team of 88 security officers to keep the patrons and assets of Viejas Casino safe. He was beloved and respected for his compassion and uncompromising integrity in all his careers and family life. Captain Jones was known to bend the rules for the sake of justice and efficiency. A religious man, he continued helping people long after retirement. He lived in San Diego County for 67 years. Lewis leaves his wife of 26 years, Cookie Jones of Descanso,, and five children; Kathy Cerda (Albert) of Vista, Christopher Jones of San Clemente, Christina Webb of Descanso, and Kevin and David Jones of Idaho. He loved his 9 grandchildren; Nathan, Andrew, Sabrina, Madison, Collette, Brittany, Katie, Courtney, and Samantha, and two great-grandchildren, Bella and Sunny. Sadly, his daughter Patricia Busic Parker (James) preceded him in death, as did his brother, James Jones (Betty) of Cartersville, GA. He is greatly missed by his friends and family. Internment will take place at Ellis Ranch Cemetery in Descanso. Like his father, he always tried to do the right thing; therein lies his greatness.