PROFILE OF MUSEUM VOLUNTEER JUDY JONES Judy Elkins
was born April 26, 1941 in Pryor, Oklahoma to Maxine and Eugene Elkins. Judy
was the family’s third sibling, along with two sisters, Jeanetta
and Patricia, as well as an older brother Raymond. She grew up in the small
Oklahoma town of Yukon, graduating from Yukon High School in 1959. Judy began
working right out of high school for Globe Life Insurance in their corporate
office, along with attending Oklahoma City University where she received a BA
in business. In 1964 Judy decided to move closer to family and made a huge
move to Washington State. Twelve years after moving to Tacoma, Judy met her future husband Brian, and they married March 5, 1977. Judy’s two daughters, Lori and Terri fit right in to make the family complete. After working in the auto parts business for many years, Judy formed a partnership with a former colleague to open their own store, Puyallup Auto Parts, in Puyallup, Washington. Upon graduation from high school, both girls went their separate ways and the empty nesters entertained the idea of moving to a warmer climate. The
Jones’ moved from the Seattle/Tacoma area to Fresno, California in 1982.
Fresno’s sunny climate and friendly people made them feel right at home,
besides the fact that many family members; including her parents and
grandparents had also migrated there. After
her retirement in 1995 as an office manager, Judy’s world of volunteerism
began. Brian has service connected disabilities that he acquired during
service in Vietnam. He received three purple hearts, a Bronze Star with “V”
device, and a combat infantry badge, among others. Through Brian’s Vietnam
service, Judy was eligible to become a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Ladies Auxiliary. She became an active member from the first day, and understands
the importance of being an activist to insure the continuance and adoption of
veteran entitlements. In their veterans’ activities, the Jones’ have
developed a deep understanding of protecting the needs of our nation’s
veterans. Their active memberships include the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, and
Judy is a Charter Member of the Ladies Auxiliary Military Order of the Purple
Heart. Brian is also a member of the 25th
Infantry Division. Judy
thoroughly enjoys being an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and has
served that organization in various capacities including Auxiliary President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, District 11 President, as well as several
State chairmanships. She served as the Department President of California in
2010-11, and has since been appointed and/or elected to National positions.
She has always felt fortunate, as well as honored, to serve the veterans of
Fresno and the surrounding communities. She has volunteered at the Veterans
Hospital, the annual veterans “Stand Down,” and as secretary of the Veterans
Day Parade Committee. Judy
and Brian’s daughters have blessed them with six grandchildren and two great
grandchildren. Judy
can’t say enough about volunteering for the Veterans Memorial Museum, “Home
of the Legion of Valor” where she serves as an administrative assistant to
Director Bob Specht. This opportunity has put her in weekly contact not only
with our veterans, but with students and members of the community who visit
the museum for its wonderful history lessons and educational benefits. It has
also given her the opportunity to meet many of our nation’s most
distinguished Legion of Valor recipients. To know the acts of bravery it took
for them; and each and every other combat veteran (all of whom have risked
their lives for our freedom) instills thoughts of awe, appreciation, and
thankfulness in her heart. |