Roll Call Tribute

Terri Francis "TJ" Jones

January 18, 2023

Terri Jones passed away Jan. 18 at the age of 66. “TJ,” as she was affectionately known, was an influential force in the Texas entertainment industry over several decades, having worked for many years as a talent agent before joining the AFTRA Dallas office as executive director prior to merger with SAG.

As a Texas native, TJ grew up in the DFW area, attending school in Grand Prairie before studying theater at Texas A&M University. Participation in the “Aggie Players” at A&M created lifelong friendships with many people she would later encounter in the entertainment business.

Following several years working in the travel industry after school, TJ embarked on a new career in the mid-’80s as a talent agent, initially as the broadcast agent for the Miller/Turpin Agency in Dallas. This was followed by the establishment of her own agency, Talent Express, which operated for nearly a decade in the Texas market. Her heartfelt affection for working actors and their never-ending struggle was always evident, and her caring guidance helped shape the emerging careers of many successful DFW-based performers.

In 2006, TJ was hired as the new executive director of the AFTRA Dallas Local, a position she would hold through merger with SAG in 2012. Her experience with the local talent market, as well as her intimate understanding of the issues facing union performers in Texas made her a natural fit for the position. Post-merger, the relationships developed with other talent agents, production companies and talent across the state aided her as she transitioned to the position of director of outreach and broadcast for the newly formed SAG-AFTRA DFW Local in 2012, which she held until her departure in 2017.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held on Feb. 17 at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052. 1-2 p.m. visitation, 2-3 p.m. service.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to either donate to or adopt a pet from their local animal shelter or rescue group, such as Prairie Paws Adoptions at Grand Prairie Animal Services, (972-237-8575) prairiepawsanimalinfo@gptx.org.