Thomas R. Jones (judge) facts for kids

Thomas Russell Jones, Jr. (born August 5, 1913 – died October 27, 2006) was an important African-American leader. He served in the New York State Assembly and as a judge on the New York Supreme Court. He was also a strong civil rights activist, working to improve life for black Americans in poor city areas in the North.

Early Life and Career

Thomas Russell Jones, Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on August 5, 1913. His parents, Thomas Russell Jones, Sr. and Mabel (Ward) Jones, came from Barbados.

He studied at St. John's University and then at St. John's University School of Law. He became a lawyer in 1938. Before World War II, he was active in fighting against fascism. In 1941, he joined the U.S. Army. As a first lieutenant, he took part in the Normandy invasion in 1944, which was a major event in World War II.

After returning to New York, Jones became a main lawyer for the local NAACP group. The NAACP is an organization that works for the rights of African Americans. He mostly handled cases where people claimed they were treated unfairly by the police.

In 1955, Jones defended three Chinese immigrant workers. They were accused of helping Communist China because they sent money to their families back home. Even though the highest court in the U.S. did not hear their case, Jones later spoke about it and the American legal system in Beijing in 1980.

Public Service and Community Work

Jones was a member of the Democratic party. He served in the New York State Assembly (representing Kings County, 10th District) in 1963 and 1964. In November 1964, he was elected to the New York City Civil Court. Later, in November 1967, he became a judge on the New York Supreme Court.

Judge Jones worked with U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy to help improve very poor living conditions in neighborhoods often called ghettos and slums in New York. At first, Jones was unsure if Kennedy truly wanted to help, because many people had visited these areas before and left without making a difference. He once told Kennedy:

I'm weary of study, Senator. Weary of speeches, weary of promises that aren't kept... The Negro people are angry, Senator, and, judge that I am, I'm angry, too. No one is helping us.

Despite his initial doubts, Jones became the first president of a special community group that Kennedy helped start. This group aimed to build health clinics, improve housing, create parks and playgrounds, encourage businesses and investment, and increase employment and political participation for the people living there.

In 1967, Jones helped create the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. This organization grew from Kennedy's original efforts to rebuild the community. The assassination of Kennedy deeply saddened Jones. After this, he focused more on his work as a judge instead of leading community rebuilding projects.

Jones retired from his position as a judge in 1985.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1941, Thomas Russell Jones, Jr. married Bertha K. Jones. They had a son named David and a daughter named Margaret.

Jones passed away on October 27, 2006, from prostate cancer. He was survived by his wife, his son, his daughter, and five grandchildren.

In Other Media

Thomas Russell Jones, Jr. was shown in the 2002 TV movie RFK. Actor Ving Rhames played his character.