Gerald Jones

Gerald L. Jones was born Sept. 1, 1942, to Bernie and Christine Jones of Caruthersville, Missouri. He died peacefully in his sleep at home in Cape Girardeau Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

Gerald was married to the love of his life, Joan Chapman Jones, on July 15, 1978. She preceded him in death in 2017.

He graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1960, attended Memphis State University (University of Memphis) and lived a majority of his adulthood in Memphis, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. He relocated to Missouri in 1988 and ultimately Cape Girardeau in 1998.

His early career was focused on real estate development, with the housing authority in Caruthersville being his first stop. Here he was one of the founders of Tri-County Human Development in 1972, which he would return to 20 years later, purchase and transform into Pyramid Group of home care companies. He grew the company to include coverage throughout Missouri.

During this time, he was actively involved in the Cape Girardeau community through Downtown Merchants Association, Old Town Cape, Southeast Missouri State University donor and booster, past president of Cape Girardeau Country Club and outreach activities through his church.

In 2002, he retired with Joan, and they traveled, spent many hours on the lake in Kentucky and shared good times with family. He later returned to the working world for a brief time with Community Counseling Center, assisting with its property acquisition.

Gerald was known for his big heart who would help anyone in need when he could. He never said no to any employee, friend, family or stranger who needed his help. Up until the time of his death, he continued with his volunteer activities as Saint Francis Medical Center, going to work every day he could with his daughter.

He loved his church family at Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau, where he served on the vestry and as senior warden and was actively involved until his death.

Gerald was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, loved Alabama football and could be heard throughout the neighborhood "cheering on" his favorite teams.

He is survived by daughter, Claire (Mark) Kneer of Cape Girardeau; son, Peyton (Bebe) Powell of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama; stepson, James Powell; grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan Karnes of Cape Girardeau, Riley Jones of Columbia, Missouri, Garrett Jones of Springfield, Missouri, and Chapman (Amber) Powell of Wetumpka, Alabama; brother-in-law, Teddy (Joyce) Burnett of Kennett, Missouri; nieces, Penny (Steve) Green of Jackson and Karla McDonald of Tennessee; first wife, Caroline (George) Thompson of McKinney, Texas; and many, many friends.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents; spouse, Joan; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Mary Jones; son and daughter-in-law, Drew and Kerri Jones; and granddaughter, Haley Karnes.

The family asks for donations to be made to Christ Episcopal Church or Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation (auxiliary or hospice).

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Christ Episcopal Church.