Captain John A Jones, Sr. 97, was promoted to Heaven, May 13, 2021. A native of St. Petersburg, he was a Captain with the Salvation Army and served his country honorably in the U. S. Army during WWII. He is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School. His early career, as a Master Plumber, resulted in the founding of successful St. Petersburg business, Johnnie Jones Plumbing, which still exists today. In 1972, he responded to a full time calling to Salvation Army ministry and was ordained as a Captain (minister), serving in appointments in Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma and Virginia. In 1987 he was presented the Exceptional Service Award by General Jarl Walstrom. In 1989, he retired and returned to St. Petersburg where he worked at Home Depot, but continued to serve at The Salvation Army. He is noted for ringing the Salvation Army kettle bell and singing at Christmas, where his joyful spirit would bring a smile to shoppers. He is survived by his loving children: Edna Mae Smith, Rebecca Ann Creger, Nancy Jean Adams, John Alvin Jones, Jr., Cathy Osbourn, and 23 grandchildren, preceded in death by daughter, Renee Joann Magnum Captain Johnnie Jones was totally committed to Christ and is known for singing constantly about Jesus. On his 97th birthday, he sang for his daughters, “I’m in His Hands, I’m in His Hands, Whatever the future holds; I’m in His Hands.” Today, he most definitely is! The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, May 26, from 4 - 7 pm. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 27, at The Salvation Army Citadel, 3800 9th Ave N. St. Petersburg, at 1 pm. with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.