Biography
Jack Payne Jones, also known as Jack P. Jones, author of western novels and nonfiction works dealing with residential construction, remodeling, design, and general contracting, was born in Timmonsville, South Carolina. Mr. Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from LaSalle Extension University in Chicago, Illinois, in 1948. He married Ernestine Ryals on October 5, 1955, and they had four children: Gregory, Kenneth, Ronald, and Laura.
Mr. Jones had an interesting career: U.S. Air Force, intelligence specialist, 1950-54; U.S. Air Force, worked as investigator, chief of investigations, and chief of police in central Georgia, 1954-70; general contractor and construction consultant for Jack P. Jones and Associates, Inc., Eastman, Georgia, 1970-82; writer, 1982-2006. Mr. Jones said, "My primary motivations for writing are personal satisfaction, love of the language, and the music in words. My work is influenced by day-to-day living, books I've read, and the languages of the heart. I begin with an idea—a dream, a desire to 'paint' a different view. I also hope to earn money." Mr. Jones was a member of the Authors Guild.
Source: [encyclopedia.com](https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/jones-jack-payne-1928)
Mr. Jones was a native of Florence, South Carolina, a member of Grace Baptist Church, a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a writer, publisher and retired civil service employee of Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Ernestine (Tena) Ryals Jones; daughter, Laura Jones Dykes; and three sons, Kenneth Jones, Ronald Jones and Gregory Jones.
Source: [Obituary](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/macon/name/jack-jones-obituary?id=21519145)
Mr. Jones had an interesting career: U.S. Air Force, intelligence specialist, 1950-54; U.S. Air Force, worked as investigator, chief of investigations, and chief of police in central Georgia, 1954-70; general contractor and construction consultant for Jack P. Jones and Associates, Inc., Eastman, Georgia, 1970-82; writer, 1982-2006. Mr. Jones said, "My primary motivations for writing are personal satisfaction, love of the language, and the music in words. My work is influenced by day-to-day living, books I've read, and the languages of the heart. I begin with an idea—a dream, a desire to 'paint' a different view. I also hope to earn money." Mr. Jones was a member of the Authors Guild.
Source: [encyclopedia.com](https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/jones-jack-payne-1928)
Mr. Jones was a native of Florence, South Carolina, a member of Grace Baptist Church, a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a writer, publisher and retired civil service employee of Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Ernestine (Tena) Ryals Jones; daughter, Laura Jones Dykes; and three sons, Kenneth Jones, Ronald Jones and Gregory Jones.
Source: [Obituary](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/macon/name/jack-jones-obituary?id=21519145)
Books by Jack Payne Jones
Leola's Mountain
Hamhocks, Turnip Greens & Blackeyed Peas
Iron Spur
Three Across Montana
Three Across the Northern Plains
Under a Long Sky
The third season
Builder's Guide to Room Additions
Garages & carports
Three Across Wyoming
House framing
Small Space - Big Bucks
Creating space without adding on
Three across Kansas
Handbook of construction contracting
Spec builder's guide
Spec builder's guide
Three across Texas
Manual of professional remodeling
Wagons in the Wind