Jaye Jones

Mr. James Wayland “Jaye” Jones, 85, of Weldon, died Saturday evening, July 3, 2021 at Vidant Pitt Medical Center in Greenville.

Jaye was born in Columbus County, NC on August 18, 1935, the son of James Wayland and Lillie Mae Hill Jones.  His parents; great-granddaughter, Lillie Aiyana Bright; and brother, Larry C. Jones, all preceded him in death.

Jaye attended NC A&T State University and was a proud Aggie.  He retired from the US Air Force after a 20 year career, then was recruited to work as a Lt. Col. with the US State Department’s Foreign Intelligence division, from which he also later retired.

Jaye was a member of East 10 ^th Street Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon, then as an Elder.

Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Mary Rawls Tripp  Jones; son, Jerry Bright Jones (Sherry); step-son, Wes Tripp (Karen); brothers, Robert Jones (Isabella) and Joseph T. Jones (Carol); sister-in-law, Sarah Jones; grandchildren, Wayvon L. Bright, Jeanetta Shunta Bright, Jayvon J. Bright, Wes Tripp,III; and great-grandchildren, MarKeith Williams, Wayvon Bright, Jr., Jade’ E. Bright, Jayvon Bright, Jr., and Aniya Grace Bright.

Friends may visit with the family from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Friday at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The funeral service for Mr. Jones will be held at 11:00am Saturday at East 10 ^th Street Christian Church, with Pastor Jason Yeatts presiding.  Interment, with military honors, will be held at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.

The online guest book may be signed at hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.