Roll Call Tribute

Dr. Jesse J. "Jes" Jones, DVM 

March 7, 1943 - May 11, 2023 

The graveside service for Dr. Jesse J. Jones, DVM, of Tyler, Texas will be held on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery. We will hold a Celebration of Life immediately following the graveside service in the Galilee Room at Green Acres Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend both the graveside service and the celebration of life.

On May 11th, 2023, Dr. Jesse J. Jones left this earth to be with Jesus. He was born on March 7th, 1943 in Paris, Texas to Capt. Jesse May and Nadia Green Jones. Dr. Jones attended Tyler High School and graduated in 1961. During his high school years, he was a member of the Tyler High Blue Guard and a life-guard at Tyler State Park. It was during his time at Tyler State Park that his love for adventure, fishing, and growing vegetables was cultivated. He spent his days helping clear and maintain hiking trails to ensure that park visitors could experience the adventure offered by the outdoors.

After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force as an electrical mechanic traveling across the country disabling Cold War era computer systems. He always reminisced about his time stationed in California and the fun memories he had on the California beaches.

He went on to attend Texas A&M and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1969 and his doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1970, earning himself the title “The Five Year Wonder.” As a result of his excellent work ethic, knowledge, and care for animals he was recruited to practice with the nationally renowned Dr. Fred Soifer, DVM, in Houston. Through this experience, Dr. Jones was also given the opportunity to care for animals of the Houston Zoo.

Dr. Jones returned to Tyler in 1977 to open Green Acres Animal Clinic, where he met the love of his life, Holli Barron Jones. They married in 1980 and spent 44 years raising litters of kids, cats, and dogs. Together they enjoyed creating memories with their children at home, on the lake, and on family vacations. One of the greatest joys in Jesse’s life were his kids. He was devoted to putting his family first and raising them with Christian values. He took time to build forts, doll houses, remodel their family home, and even rebuild classic vehicles. Family was always important to him. He was a devoted son-in-law to George and Virginia Barron. He insisted they were a part of every family experience and vacation. If Dr. Jones was not in the office or spending time with his family you could find him enjoying his favorite hobbies of fishing and golfing.

He is preceded in death by his parents Capt. Jesse and Nadia Jones of Paris, TX; his cousin Kenny Walker of Tyler, TX; father-in-law George Barron and mother-in-law Virginia Barron of Tyler, TX; and his precious granddaughter Joy of Fort Worth, TX.

He is survived by his loving wife Holli Barron Jones, brother Gene Jones, and five children Jesse Jones, Jr. and Jana Schauhuber; Molli and Ben Crenshaw; Katie and Doug Ritcheson; Maggi and Ben Moore; and Wade and Anna Jones. Jesse was the proud “Pa” to eight grandchildren: James Jones, Nolan and Amelia Crenshaw, Lilly and Sadie Ritcheson, Charlotte and Barrett Moore, and Jack Jones.

Dr. Jones was larger than life, a friend to all four-legged animals and beloved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.