Alfonza Jones Sr.

ALFONZA JONES SR. was born on September 27, 1930, to Freddie Jones and Ida Lee Jones in Richlands, North Carolina. Alfonza, affectionally known as Al, was the eldest of ten children, including 5 boys and 5 girls. After receiving his formal education and assisting his father with sharecropping responsibilities on their family farm, in 1948, Alfonza enlisted in the United States Army. While stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, a friend introduced Al to the future love of his life, Rosa Durham. Two months later, they were married and through God’s grace experienced life together for 71 years. From that union, Alfonza and Rosa were blessed with four children - Larry, Rickie, Tanya, and Alfonza Jr. While completing multiple tours of duty, Alfonza’s military career allowed the young family to travel throughout the world and experience many different cultures. One of their memorable assignments being a 6-year tour in Frankfurt, Germany. While in Germany, Al took an interest in playing baseball with the 3rd Armored Division. Playing at the first base position, Al led his team to several championships. Al was recognized for his exceptional talent which earned him an opportunity to play for the Negro American Baseball Leagues. However, due to his deep commitment to his family, he chose not to pursue it. In 1972, After completing an honorable 25-year career, which included 2 combat tours in Vietnam and 1 combat tour in Korea as a Combat/Construction Engineer, Alfonza retired as a Sergeant First Class. His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/Battle Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Combat Medal (2nd Award), Occupation Medal Germany, and Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award). Upon returning to the United States, Al developed an interest in golf after a friendly loss to his neighbors. Unbeknownst to them, his competitive spirit led him to study and practice the game until he returned and defeated them. This marked the beginning of a lifelong love for golf, which he enjoyed on several teams, including the Ft. Meade Aesop Robinson Team and the Paragons of Lake Clifton in Baltimore, Maryland. Al and his family moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1972, where he had a career in HVAC that led to a successful career at Johns Hopkins Hospital as the first Black Superintendent of the HVAC department. After retirement from Johns Hopkins, he held roles at Total Health Care and Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.

Tributes

Alfonza Jones Sr.

September 27, 1930 - June 4, 2026