James A. Jones

JAMES ARTHUR JONES, II, affectionately known as "KNUCKLES", transitioned to be amongst the Ancestors on February 8, 2024.

James Arthur was born on March 21, 1942, in Tarboro, North Carolina to Ruth A. Jones and Jerry Sharpe. His loving grandmother, Lila B. Jones, was the one person who kept "James Arthur" in line.

In 1957, he and his grandmother moved to Baltimore, Maryland to join his parents Ruth Farmer and Henry Farmer, right before his baby sister Pat was born. While in Baltimore, he graduated from Dunbar High School. His first job was at Crown Grocery Store.

He moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1960 for better job opportunities. He secured gainful employment at Model City Housing, met and married Diane Jones who preceded him in death. Knuckles was the life of the party in Dayton, Ohio. He was so popular amongst the folks around the way, all the way up to the Boule' who owned the keys to the City. He possessed street and book smarts, and he had a memory "like an elephant". He loved his People, advocated for their advancement and he taught his children Black Pride. He loved his Family immensely and never hesitated to express his love every opportunity he got. Knuckles was truly an Alpha Man of our generation and he marched to his own beat.

In 1986, Knuckles returned to Baltimore, Maryland where he enjoyed the remaining years of his vibrant life with loving family and friends. During his return, he and his life partner Zipporah Jennings "affectionately known as Ms. Dee" loved and supported their blended family. As in true Knuckle's fashion he was always ready to enjoy family time at Angie's house for gatherings.

James Arthur is preceded in death by his grandfather and namesake James A. Jones; grandmother, Lila B. Jones; grandparents, Dan (Charlotte) Sharpe; parents, Ruth (Henry) Farmer, Jerry Sharpe; siblings, Henry II and Ceciley;  daughter, Delphia and his life partner, Zipporah Jennings.

He leaves to cherish his memory, children, Tina (Mark), Robert, Renee (Ray), Angela, Khadeeshe (Adrian), Amir, Ali (Rachel), Lynoria (Curtis), Denise, Carla; his grandchildren, Mark II, Anthony, Jabari, Renatta, Chris, Bria, Lyneesya Greigh (Brian), Kyla, Genesis, Sheighlyn, Irvin (Tieashia), Vincent, Gary, Patrick, Latoya, Isaiah, (Brittanie), Tonia, Nicko, Robert, Nina, RaShad, Sidney, Quinsha; his siblings, Harold, Pat and Kenneth, niece Kenya, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His love extended to his lifelong friends Ethel Wilson, William Saxton, Ralph Baines, his right hand and partner Darryl, his special cousin Angela and the entire Hilliard Family, Godson Jeffrey Thomas, adopted son Edward Cook, Courtney Jordan affectionately known as nephew, loving caretakers Shirley Cousin, Jerry and Toni Miles.