Jeffrey D. Jones

On Saturday morning of November 1, 2025, 61st Chief Devil Dog, Jeffrey D Jones, reported to his final duty station on the Golden Streets of Heaven. He was born on October 28, 1965, in Waco, Texas to his loving parents, Johnnie Ki Jones of Texas and Patricia W. Darkow of Ohio.

Jeff was an extremely active member of the Marine Corps League on the State and National levels. His tour of duty began on November 10, 2006, when he discovered the Marine Corps League at the opening ceremony of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Ever since then he has been very active holding many positions. Just to mention a few, Commandant of his Local Detachment, Commandant of the Department of North Carolina, Sergeant of Arms on several levels and other various positions.

Jeff was also very active in the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, Mood. He also held many positions in the organization as well such as Pound Keeper, Smart Dog, on various levels, Pack Leader, and his ultimate goal of 61st Chief Devil Dog. A high accomplishment that he worked very hard to achieve while always trying to make the order the best it could be.

Jeff received many awards and medals over the years. Some of his most treasured medals are Detachment Marine of the Year, Department Marine of the Year, Division Marine of the Year, and National Marine of the year for the Marine Corps League. On the Military Order of the Devil Dog platform, he was awarded the Pound Marine of the Year, Pack Marine of the Year, and Kennel Marine of the Year. There are many awards, gifts, and certificates that it’s impossible to mention all, but he greatly appreciated and cherished them.

Jeff was also known as Gunny Claus during the month of December. He would grow a beard and “paint” it white for the full effect. He brought joy to thousands of small children and full-grown marines. He and his wife, “Elf” would travel to various Marine Corps bases up and down the eastern seaboard spreading Christmas joy. He also was Toys for Tots coordinator for Wilson County for several years.

One final project he was instrumental in implementing was Operation Chow Hound. This program collects dog food or money to buy food for no-kill shelters in local areas. He started it in North Carolina, and it is now nationwide.

Jeff was a wonderful husband to Leigh Ann for thirty-four years. He was a good brother, brother-in-law, uncle, son, and patriot. He had a tremendous love for God, family, country, and the Marine Corps. He will be greatly missed by so many for many reasons.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Leigh Ann Corbett; father, Johnnie Ki Jones (Judy) of Texas; mother, Patricia W. Darkow of Ohio; sisters, Kristin Kamerer (David) of Ohio, and Kiann Battencourt (Paul) of Texas; brother, Jonathyn Whitely (Lisa) of Ohio and many nieces and nephews and of course his beloved dog, Pappy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Middlesex Baptist Church, P.O. Box 369, Middlesex, North Carolina 27557 or to Zebulon Baptist church, PO Box 366 Zebulon, North Carolina 27597. Donations may also be sent to MOOD, c/o Helen Breen, 404 Mountain Laurel Circle, Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445 with the memo line as Jeff Jones.

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Zebulon Baptist Church, 400 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Your watch is over Marine.

Semper Fidelis

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.