Jerry Gillispie Jones, Sr.

Jerry Gillispie Jones, a respected Cameron Parish attorney, public servant, civic leader, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 93 years old. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his faith, his family, his profession, his community, and the people of Cameron Parish.

Born on March 27, 1933, in Grand Chenier, Louisiana, he was the son of Lola Castain Jones and Jennings Bryan Jones, Sr., a cotton and fur buyer who also served as Supervisor of Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. He graduated from Grand Chenier High School in 1951 before attending Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree on August 5, 1955.

He continued his education at LSU Law School, graduating with honors on January 29, 1957. While at LSU, he served as President of the Law School Student Body and was a member of the LSU Law Review, Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. He graduated as a member of the prestigious Order of the Coif, recognizing his exceptional academic achievement.

Following law school, Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. In the aftermath of Hurricane Audrey in 1957, he received an honorable discharge so he could return home to care for his family and assist his community during one of the most devastating natural disasters in Louisiana's history.

While stationed at Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, Jerry met the love of his life, Jeanine. They married in 1959 and returned to Cameron Parish, where they established their home and raised their family.

That same year, Jerry joined his brother, Jennings B. "J.B." Jones, Sr., in the practice of law, forming the Jones & Jones Law Firm in Cameron. For nearly four decades, until his retirement in 1998, he built a reputation for integrity, sound judgment, and unwavering dedication to his clients and the legal profession.

Throughout his career, he was a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, the American Judicature Society, and the Louisiana Bar Foundation. In 1987, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, an honor recognizing distinguished alumni whose careers have brought distinction to the legal profession.

His commitment to public service extended well beyond the courtroom. He believed strong communities were built through leadership, service, and civic involvement.

In 1966, Jerry was instrumental in the organization of Cameron State Bank. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and, in 1997, was elected Chairman of the Board, a position he held until the bank was sold in 2011.

Also in 1966, Jerry was appointed to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, where he served from 1968 to 1973, helping guide the stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries resources.

On March 1, 1979, Jerry was elected as the first District Attorney of Louisiana's newly created 38th Judicial District, serving two terms and helping establish the office during its formative years.

He also served his community in numerous civic leadership roles, including the Cameron Lions Club, the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District, the Cameron Parish Democratic Executive Committee, the Cameron Police Jury, and the Calcasieu Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as Scoutmaster and Finance Chairman. In recognition of his outstanding service to Scouting and the development of young people, he received the Silver Beaver Award in 1978, the highest honor a local Scout council can bestow upon an adult volunteer.

His dedication to Cameron Parish was also reflected in its traditions and celebrations. He was honored as King Fur VII of the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival in 1976 and later served as Duke of Krewe de la Contree in 1991.

Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, Jerry found his greatest enjoyment in the outdoors. A lifelong hunter, fisherman, gardener, and accomplished cook, he appreciated the simple pleasures of growing vegetables, raising chickens, preparing meals for family and friends, and generously sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and loved ones.

Throughout his life, he remained active in his faith as a member of Wakefield Methodist Church in Cameron and later St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church in Lake Charles.

Above all else, Jerry was devoted to his family. He shared a loving marriage with his beloved wife, Jeanine, for nearly 50 years until her passing.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Deborah Alexander and her husband, Glenn Alexander, and Lori Auerbach and her husband, Jonathan Auerbach; his sister, Betty Hackett; his sister-in-law, Sandra Jones; his grandchildren, Rachel Hoffpauir and her husband, Cody Hoffpauir, Dakota Jones, Laila Grace Jones, and Jacob W. Auerbach; and his great-grandchildren, Rowan Hoffpauir and Brayden Hoffpauir.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanine Jones; his son, Jerry G. Jones, Jr.; his parents, Lola Castain Jones and Jennings Bryan Jones, Sr.; and his siblings, Arnold Jones, Jennings B. Jones, Jr., and Lynne R. Jones.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, generosity, and service. His life's work strengthened the legal profession, civic institutions, and the community of Cameron Parish. He will be remembered not only for the offices he held and the honors he received, but also for his steadfast devotion to his family, his community, and the Louisiana he loved.

A memorial service celebrating Jerry's life will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in honor of his wife, Jeanine, to support the Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer's Disease, c/o Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 420 E. Superior St., 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, or online at feinberg.northwestern.edu/giving.