Vincent Jones Jr.
The Margate City Fire Department is mourning the loss of former Fire Chief Vincent Jones Jr.
Jones started his firefighting career in 1967 and was chief of the Margate Fire Department from 1992 until his retirement in 2000. He rose through the ranks to become the leader of the department in October 1992.
According to the department, Jones was a progressive when it came to firefighting and was able to obtain apparatus and equipment for the department to ensure the safety of his team and Margate residents.
Jones also served as fire marshal, fire official and fire sub-code official, and was a mentor to all those who chose firefighting as a profession.
Vince served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1965. He moved to Margate, NJ and joined the Margate City Fire Department in April of 1967. Vince served as Firefighter, Fire Inspector and Arson Investigator. In 1992, he was sworn in by Mayor Bill Ross as Chief of the Margate City Fire Department and proudly served as Chief until his retirement in April 2000, after 33 years of service. He was a member of the Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA).
In 1996, Vince married Jane, the love of his life. Vince and Jane enjoyed many adventures together, but nothing was more important than their family. Holidays were always special at the Jones house, with Pop Pop and Gammy. They created countless memories together. Their grandchildren were their pride and joy.
Vince was an avid sportsman who traveled the country hunting all varieties of game, many of which were on display in his home. He was the President of the Ocean City Sportsman Club in New Gretna, NJ, Past President of the Atlantic County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and member of the Atlantic County Federation of Sportsmen's Club. If Vince wasn't home, you could probably find him at the Club sitting on the picnic bench with his buddies. He made lifelong friendships there. From Sunday Turkey Shoots to the annual deer week, Vince made years of great memories at the Club. His greatest joy was to have three generations of Jones boys join him last December for deer week.
Vince was also known as a gifted carpenter, his creations ranged from baby cribs to cabinetry and custom-built houses. Vince was actively involved in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife's annual Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program, which was founded by his brother Eddie.
Anyone who knew Big Vince knew how much he loved a good V. O. Manhattan on the Rocks, but more than that, he loved his family and his friends. Vince would always be quick to ask, and your point? and when questioned, let everyone know that I'M FINE! Vince was proud of his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He recently traveled to Kansas to visit with his youngest grandchildren, Sophia and Sandler.
Vince is predeceased by his parents, two brothers, and one sister. He was married to the love of his life, Jane, for 23 years before her passing. He is survived by his children; Vincent, III (Maddalena), Timothy, Sheri Nekrasz (Robert), and Kimberly (Justin), 10 grandchildren; Ryan, Michael, Brett, Evan, Tucker, Kylie, Alena, Brendan, Sophia, and Sandler, his siblings David (Barbara), E. Marie Hayes (Lloyd), and Monica, his daughter-in-law Richelle, his sister-in-law Robin Canell, his nieces Andrea and Molly, and many other adoring nieces and nephews, and his dearest friend Bucky Woltmann.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs or St. Jude's Research Hospital for Children in his memory.
Visitations will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, and 9-11 a.m. Friday, June 23, with a service to follow at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road in Northfield. Interment will be 1:15 p.m. Friday, June 23 at Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, Rt. 50 in Estell Manor.
