Another Navajo hero has passed.
Flags on the Navajo Nation are being flown at half-staff in honor of Navajo Code Talker Tom Jones, Jr. until sunset on May 17, 2014.
“The Navajo Nation has lost another hero and role model to our people. We are saddened by the loss of Tom Jones, Jr. and the Nation sends our condolences and prayers to his family,” President Shelly said.
Jones passed on May 12 at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M. after a battle with pneumonia and other medical conditions. He was 89 years old.
His service in the U.S. Marine Corps began on Nov. 16, 1943 and he was honorably discharged on Dec. 30, 1945.
Jones was a messenger for U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Division, Unit 297 Navajo Code Talkers 767 and Navajo Code Talkers 642 Platoons at Camp Pendleton.
“Our father was a private, humble, simple, caring and giving father, grandfather, brother, friend and comrade,” said daughter Carmelita Nelson. “His heart was caring, his mind was strict, his life was blessed and his soul was graceful.”
Funeral services will take place on May 17 at the Diné Christian Center in Shiprock, N.M., beginning at 10 a.m.
An account with Wells Fargo Bank has been established for donations under account number 2221454164. Jones leaves behind three children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.