Jerry Jones, 76, died Tuesday, February 24 surrounded by family.
Jerry was born to Betsy Walton Jones and J.W. "Fid" Jones on July 23, 1949, in Jackson. He graduated from Murrah High School in 1968 then attended Ole Miss where he was a member of Ole Miss track and field, specifically excelling at the high jump. He spent many years of his youth and early adulthood working at his family's business Hale & Jones Sporting Goods.
Jerry moved to Nashville in 1978 and worked at the Old Time Pickin' Parlor. He became so well respected for his guitar repair and setup ability at the Pickin' Parlor that musicians such as Chet Akins and Reggie Young would bring in their instruments specifically seeking out Jerry's luthier skills. This notoriety led to the opportunity to build custom guitars for musicians such as Merle Haggard and Rafe Van Hoy following the opening of his own shop in 1981.
In the late 1980s, Jerry created a line of instruments known for being niche, high-quality, and entirely American-made. The business flourished until his retirement in 2011.
In 1987, Jerry met Kathy Woods, formerly of Little Rock, Arkansas. They were married in 1999. They spent four decades building a life together full of love and adventure. Their travels took them all over the world and back to their families in Mississippi and Arkansas.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father J.W. "Fid" Jones and his mother Betsy Walton Jones. He is survived by his wife Kathy Woods and his sisters Carol Simmons and Laura Craig (Jim). He is also survived by three nephews, two nieces, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
