To say the town turned out Sunday afternoon at Brundidge Station to honor Dr. Jack Jones upon his retirement from veterinary medicine would be an understatement. Townspeople were joined by many from Pike and surrounding counties who came to wish Jones all the best in his retirement years. They also came to say how much Jones and his wife, Brenda, have meant to the City of Brundidge and the extended area during their tenure at Jones Animal Clinic.

“Jack Jones is not only an outstanding veterinarian, he is also a devoted Christian who has the heart of the community at heart,” said Tammy Powell. “Not only has he looked after our animals, he has looked after us. We are grateful that he has been in our community for all these years. He has earned his retirement and he deserves it but we sure are going to miss him.”

Susan Winland said Jones is a most capable veterinarian, whether he is caring for small animals or large animals.
“I’ve taken my dogs and cats to him and also my horses,” Winland said. “He his capable; he is caring and he is compassionate. That’s the best way I know to describe Dr. Jack Jones. He will be greatly missed but he has a long bucket list and he deserves time to fill that bucket.”

Stories swirled throughout the reception about Dr. Jones and his care of dogs, cats, horses, mules and goats and there was one word that kept popping up – trust.

“We all trusted the care of our animals to Dr. Jones and, to me, that says it all, said Eddie Black.

Jones took center stage for a few minutes to thank all those who have trusted him with their pets for four decades.

Jones said when his wife, Brenda, wanted to invite the extended Brundidge community to celebrate his retirement with them, he was a little apprehensive.

But he gave in.

“I told Brenda, if we feed them they will come,” he said, laughing but, on a serious note, he thanked everyone for coming. “Brenda and I want to thank you for your support and friendship over these many years.”

Jones referenced I Chronicles 4:10, when Jabez called on God for His blessings.

“I have asked that God would bless me and enlarge my borders, that He might be with me and that He keep me from evil,” Jones said. “God has blessed us and He enlarged our borders from Brundidge into other areas. God blessed me with good parents who instilled in me a strong work ethic.”

Jones said he has been blessed with opportunities including the opportunity to attend college and pursue the career he desired. In 1974, “on the best day of my life,” he married Brenda Wilson.

“We had babies in 1976, ’78 and ’80 and our parents bought us a television set,” he said, getting a thunderous laugh from the crowd.

After graduating from veterinary school in 1977, Jones did a short stint in Tennessee, and then worked in Ozark for five years before coming to Brundidge to establish a practice that was far-reaching.

“It is said that if you have job you really enjoy, you will never have to work a day in your life,” Jones said. “I had a job that I really enjoyed.”

But, Jones laughingly admitted that around 4 p.m. on some days, he wasn’t sure that old adage held true.
He thanked all of those in attendance for their support and friendship over the years.

“I will miss you and your pets,” he said in closing.

As people began to leave, they shook hands with Jones and his wife and wished them all the best.

“Jack’s retirement is well deserved. Jack is a good vet, a good friend and a better man,” Don Renfroe said to Joey Strother who replied, “Yeah. But he should’ve worn his coveralls with cow manure on ’em.”