Sam Jones (Alabama politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Jones
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| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 99th district |
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| Assumed office November 7, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | James Buskey |
| 107th Mayor of Mobile | |
| In office September 2005 – August 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Mike Dow |
| Succeeded by | Sandy Stimpson |
| Member of the Mobile County Commission from the 1st district |
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| In office 1987–2005 |
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| Preceded by | Douglas Wicks |
| Succeeded by | Juan Chastang |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1947 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Jacksonville University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Unit | USS Forrestal (CV-59) |
Samuel Leon Jones, born on April 14, 1947, is an American politician. He currently serves as a representative for District 99 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Mr. Jones made history as the first African-American mayor of Mobile, Alabama. He held this important role from September 2005 to August 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Early Life and Education
Sam Jones grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He went to Central High School. After high school, he continued his studies at Florida Junior College. He then attended Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.
Public Service Career
Sam Jones has dedicated many years to public service. He has held several important positions.
Mr. Jones served for nine years in the U.S. Navy. He was on an aircraft carrier called the USS Forrestal. While serving, his commanding officer was John McCain. McCain later became a famous senator and presidential candidate.
Working for the Community
After his time in the Navy, Jones worked as the executive director of Mobile Community Action, Inc. This was from 1980 to 1987. This job helped him get involved in community work.
Becoming a County Commissioner
Jones joined the Democratic Party and entered politics. He was elected four times as a Mobile County Commissioner. A commissioner helps manage the county's government.
Serving as Mayor of Mobile
In September 2005, Sam Jones ran for Mayor of Mobile. He won the election and became the first African-American Mayor of Mobile, Alabama. He served two terms, each lasting four years. He was re-elected in 2009. In August 2013, Sandy Stimpson won the mayoral election.
After his time as mayor, the Mobile City Council honored him. They voted to rename Mobile Government Plaza the Samuel L. Jones Government Plaza. This was to recognize his service to the city.
Joining the Alabama House of Representatives
In 2018, Sam Jones was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. He now represents District 99. In this role, he helps make laws for the state of Alabama.
