At 89 years old, Baynon Jones has many stories to share. But the military is the one story that helped shape his life, career and general outlook on life.
“I firmly believe that all young men should serve a tenure in the military,” Sgt. Major Jones said. “It helps get their feet out from underneath their Momma’s table. It teaches you to respect your fellow man, and it exposes you to things and places beyond home. It can set a foundation for yourself.”
At an early age, Jones was exposed to the military by attending a military school. And in 1951, he enlisted in the armed services. And for close to seven decades, he continues to wear his uniform with pride and reflects fondly back on his time.
Jones was adopted when he was an infant from the Baptist Orphanage in Jackson. In 1932, new parents Baynon and Lucille Jones brought him to his new home on Ridge Road in Yazoo City.
And what was Jones like growing up?
“Drag racing down Grand and Main,” he said, with a laugh. “I spent my time at drive-in restaurants and drive-in movie theaters. I had a lot of camaraderie with my classmates. It was just a fun time, growing up.”
The military was always something that fascinated Jones while he was growing up. Many of his family members were involved in the military, and it was always an enticing option for the young Jones.
“My favorite cousin was in the Seabees, who were involved with construction in the Navy,” he said. “They helped build naval bases and airports.”
It wasn’t long before Jones headed to Chamberlain-Hunt Academy in Port Gibson for two years. He eventually returned to Yazoo City in his eleventh grade of high school.
In 1950, Jones married Juanita Poole and began a family of his own. It was on the day of his one-year wedding anniversary that he enlisted in the Air Force. He served actively in the Air Force for four years, eventually serving on the Air Force Reserves. He would also join the Army National Guard.
“Having been at Chamberlain-Hunt and being around military people, it wasn’t too hard for me to adjust to the Air Force,” Jones said. “I knew what was expected of me. I enjoyed serving my country, and I enjoyed the camaraderie. You were with men from all walks of life, and you learned how to adjust with everyone. You learned to go with the flow.”
In the service, Jones was an electrical power production specialist. He attended technical school in Wyoming. And he eventually headed overseas to Sidi Salmen, Africa.
“I had only been in about three or four states in the United States,” Jones said. “It was my first time overseas. It took us 29 days by boat to get there and 31 days to return. When you took a shower on the boat, the waves would knock the front end of the boat around. The waves adjusted your water in the shower from hot to cold. You learned when to start stepping out of the shower.”
Jones spent 12 months in North Central Africa. Upon returning home, he moved straight to California until he returned home from active service.
Upon returning to Yazoo City, Jones enrolled at Mississippi State University and soon acquired a job at Yazoo Valley, where he stayed until retirement.
“I spend my retirement visiting my friends and doing things around my house in the country,” he said. “There is always something to do out in the country. The only reason I retired was because it was mandatory. I enjoyed serving my country. I did everything from military police to engineering to artillery. I was even part of an artillery fraternity. They called us Red Legs.”
Showing off a crimson sash and socks, Jones admits, with a laugh, he also has on red suspenders and underwear.
Dressed in full uniform, Jones continues to speak fondly of his time in the military. He is grateful of the experiences and friendships he made over the years. And if he had his way, he wouldn’t be retired.
At 89 years old, he remains a man of service.
