It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of our hero, Captain Arthur Gordon Jones, who left us peacefully on October 17, 2026, at the age of 84 after a long battle with military service-connected Lewy Body Dementia. Born on September 1, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Arthur ("Art" ) was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor whose impact on those around him will be felt for generations. Art dedicated over ten years of his life serving his country in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Captain with the 40th / 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron. As a highly skilled combat aviator and distinguished pilot, he flew the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War and accumulated over 500 combat hours across countless flight mission assignments. For his heroism and distinguished aviator skills, Art was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, and The Air Medal with twelve oak leaf clusters, in addition to numerous other Service Medals. He later became a T-38 Flight Instructor Commander, logging over 1,000 hours, shaping the future of the next generation of young aviators.

His passion for flying extended beyond his decorated military service; he later had the honor of serving as the Director for the State of Alabama Department of Aeronautics, as well as piloting for several Governors in Louisiana and Alabama. Art met the love of his life, his cherished wife, Deanna, ironically on an airplane, and they remained inseparable ever since. Art and Deanna ("Sunshine") joined in marriage on August 27, 1977. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, joyful memories and a family-first mentality. Art was a gentle soul with a commanding presence, embodying strength and humility. For Art, his family came first, especially his Sunshine. His love for his family, particularly his children, Samantha "Mimi" (Tracey Jordan) Jones, Kori (Greg) Ferris, Kyle (Kimberly) Jones, and Kayla (Ernest) Vicknair - his grandchildren Kayleigh Jones, Emery, Reed and Jordan "Jordy" Jones, and his "sister other" - Deby Richard, was evident in all that he did. In his professional life, Art served as the Recovery Director for the state of Louisiana from 1991 to 2006 where he managed some of the largest disasters to affect the United States, including Hurricane Andrew, Tropical Storm Allison, Space Shuttle Columbia Crash, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. At the state of Louisiana, he advocated for local parish governments and championed the cause of those in need. He is widely regarded as the Pioneer for Louisiana Emergency Management. From 1991 until 2006, he assisted eligible Louisiana applicants with processing more than $1 Billion in claims for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects associated with

Presidentially Declared FEMA Disasters. In his effective capacity, he served as the State Coordinating Officer (SCO) - appointed by the Governor of Louisiana - for fourteen (14) Presidentially Declared FEMA Disasters, including Hurricane Katrina.

After his career in state government - Art went on to work in the private sector to focus on long-term recovery needs for local and state governments across the United States, leaving a lasting impact on countless communities.

Art is survived by his loving wife Deanna, his children, grandchildren, his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Deby Richard, Gerald (Gerri) Richard and Sheryle (Keith) Morgan, his sister Nancy Walsh, his step grandchildren and foster grandchildren, many other cherished family members and friends, and the last few of his military brothers from the 40th/469th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He is preceded in death by many fellow members of his 40th/469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, his mother, Helen Sanders Craig, his grandson Jordan "Jordy" Jones, and his father and mother-in-law, Paul Horace and Eula "Grams" Richard.

Funeral services will be held at the Historic Veteran's Community Living Center at Homelake, in Monte Vista, Colorado on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2 PM to honor and celebrate Arthur's remarkable life. Military Burial Honors will follow immediately at the Homelake Veteran Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life service will also be scheduled in Louisiana at a later date.

Please remember this extraordinary man who lived his life with grace and a deep commitment to his country and those around him.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Captain Arthur Gordon Jones will be deeply missed, but his legacy of sacrifice, love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.