Paul C. Jones
Paul Craig Jones, who, according to family, was Southampton Town’s first African-American police officer, died at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Wednesday, November 9. He was 63.
Known to many as “Pop the Cop,” Mr. Jones worked part-time for Southampton Town after he joined Long Island University as its security sergeant. His law enforcement career spanned 32 years, including 24 years at the university.
Mr. Jones loved what he did and took great pride in serving the public—always with his famous smile, family said. He took each assignment seriously, whether on duty as a school crossing guard, on traffic patrol or working a major investigation.
Born on November 21, 1947, in Southampton to William and Gertrude Walker Jones, he grew up in Bridgehampton and joined St. David’s AME Zion Methodist Church in Sag Harbor at a young age.
His devotion to serving others started early in his life when he joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Bridgehampton High School. In 1971 he received an honorable discharge to return home to care for his younger siblings due to his mother’s terminal illness.
He later married the Reverend Dr. Connie Smith and joined Calvary Baptist Church.
When not working, Mr. Jones enjoyed spending time with his family. In good health, he took his family to church, the local drive-in movie theater and on many trips. He loved to fish and ride his bike when he wanted quiet time.
As his illness progressed, he enjoyed reading the newspaper with coffee and a danish and discussing world events at the East Hampton Adult Day Care Center. At home he was limited to short walks in the yard where he would shoo the deer away when they encroached upon his shrubs. He also loved to sit on the deck while waiting for hot food to come off the grill and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play and swim in the pool.
Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie; children, Paul Anthony of Brooklyn, Joseph Kennedy Smith of Georgia, Jeremy Kim Jones and Paul Craig Jones III, both of East Hampton; a sister, Gertrude White of Florida; sisters-in-law, Yvonne W. Jones of Riverhead and Caroline Williams of Georgia; nieces and nephew, Shawna, Karmara and Semaj; seven grandchildren, Ajiah King, Kennedy Smith, Jeremy and Syvanious Webb, Connelly and Tynsley Smith, Paul Craig Jones IV; and many more relatives and friends. He was predeceased by siblings, Celestine Jones, Clarence Jones and Howard Williams.
A memorial service was held on Monday, November 14, at the Calvary Baptist Church in East Hampton. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton.
on Nov 21, 2011