J. P. Jones was a Fairbanks activist and businessman. The labor union brought him to Fairbanks in 1951, and he worked construction projects throughout the Fairbanks area, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Eielson Air Force Base. He married Geneva Talton in 1956. In the 1960s and 70s, he ventured into entrepreneurship, starting a convenience store, rental properties, the Jones Ice Factory, and a motel. He sometimes experienced racial injustice. He was determined to help others avoid these obstacles so became involved in the Greater Fairbanks Branch of the N.A.A.C.P.

In a recent presentation on Fairbanks Black History, professor Dorothy Jones, who is not related, remembered Jones as a formidable personality.

“There was an interview done with J.P.’s daughter Gigi about her dad,  so Gigi said the P in his name stood for Persistent  Persevered and Pro-willed.  And Gigi remembers that her father was very outspoken to a point of intimidation. I agree.  Either you like him. Or you did not,  for his firm belief that no matter who you are, everyone should be treated fairly and have opportunities.”

He received many awards and honors during his presidency of the N.A.A.C.P. However, he was most proud to learn of the dedication and the re-naming of the Southside Community Center to the J.P. Jones Community Development Center in Fairbanks, on October 26, 2002.

Jones died less than a month later, at the age of 90.
“He was a good man, very strong in believing that everyone entitled, everyone is entitled to get what they deserve. People of color, women, whatever.

He had a strong voice. Maybe not always articulate,  but he commanded respect.  JP was a laborer, it was in the labor union and construction work. Brought him to Fairbanks in 19 fifty-one. In the late sixties and seventies, he ventured out on his own into entrepreneurship.  He worked on numerous construction projects throughout the Fairbanks area, including the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, also an Air force base, and after retiring from construction, he owned convenient, a convenience store, residential property, and Jones Ice Factory, which his daughter, Gigi, owned for a period of time In 19 sixty-eight.

J.P completed financial agreements to complete his hotel motel unit with thirty-six rooms, cocktail lounge, and coffee shop. Mr. Jones opened his motel and when completed, it cost $400,000.  His commitment and dedication to the cause of racial harmony led him to become involved in the NAACP  in the seventies and 80,  and his family overcame many obstacles including death threats, and a stick of dynamite. It was found under their doorsteps.  There were people that didn’t appreciate what he was trying to do for himself and for others.  When Mr. Jones had his own business, our own family, he made sure that his kids never were without.  The Community Center formerly called the Fairbanks Southside Center was renamed after J.P Jones.

Before he died  the day he must to be honored for NAACP involvement. Mr. Jones was born in March of 1912 in Houston, Texas, and he died at the age of 90.  J.P. Jones passed peacefully from this life at his home on November 2, 2002.  He was 90 years old.” 

James P. Jones was born to William and Rosetta Jones on March 21, 1912 in Houston, Texas. He was the youngest of six children, three brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas. As a young man, he had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling. He made his way to Los Angeles, California, where he worked several jobs and found construction to be his career choice. It was in Los Angeles that he met the love of his life, Geneva Talton. His love of adventure and new construction opportunities in the last frontier brough him to Fairbanks , Alaska in 1951. Geneva soon followed and they were married on August 18, 1956. To this union, two children were born, Jerald William Jones and Genice Gradelle Jones.

“J.P., as he was known by all, worked for C&R Construction, P.K. Construction, and Laborers Local 942. He worked on numerous construction projects throughout the Fairbanks area to include the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Eielson AFB. After retiring from construction in the early 70’s, J.P. went into business for himself where he experienced obstacles and racial injustices. He was determined to help others avoid the obstacles he experienced and became involved in the N.A.A.C.P.

His commitment and dedication to the cause of racial harmony led him to hold the position of president of the local chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. for many years. Despite many threats of danger to himself and his family, J.P. persevered and was steadfast in his commitment to help others. J.P. was a civil rights activist and a strong community supporter, who was persistent in working towards the cause of ensuring racial and economic equality for all. J.P.’s name was synonymous with the organization and he was known as “Mr. N.A.A.C.P.”

J.P. accepted Christ at an early age, and upon arrival in Fairbanks, he joined St. John Baptist Church. Although his attendance was rare in his later years, he was a strong believer in Christ and often attributed his longevity to following the scripture, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” – Exodus 20:12 He found great comfort and joy in television evangelism. You could walk into his store on any given day and find him reveling in the television ministries. (If he was not engaged in a quick nap.)

He was able to see many of the fruits of his labor, including the re-naming of the Center which highlights his many accomplishments.