Kent Thomas Jones

Kent Thomas Jones, cherished son, devoted father and a man of remarkable intellect and quiet courage, passed away unexpectedly following a lingering illness. He was 59.

Born and raised in Hixson, TN, Kent’s early years revealed the gifts that would shape his life. He attended Hixson Elementary and graduated from Hixson High School, class of 1984. Kent excelled academically and participated in the Gifted Program throughout his schooling. He graduated from the University of Tennessee on August 12, 1988, completing a Dual Major with Honors in Political Science and English.

Kent continued his academic journey at George Washington University, National Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctorate in International Law on June 12, 1991. Constitutional law was his passion. During law school, Kent served on the Moot Court Board and was elected President of the International Law Society, a distinction that reflected both his intellect and leadership.

Long before his legal career, Kent showed a different kind of discipline and grit. At the age of seven, he joined the Red Bank Boxing Team, coached by the legendary Skipper Fairbanks. Over the next five years, he stepped into the ring more than 60 times, including opening the Golden Gloves tournament at Memorial Auditorium. Those early lessons in courage and perseverance stayed with him throughout his life.

During High School summers, while his father and Uncle Allen worked long business days, Kent took responsibility for the Jones Brothers Peach Farm in Sale Creek, TN. Bay age 10, he was confidently driving tractors and hauling loaded peach wagons across the 11 acre orchard. Though farming was not his chosen profession, he often said how grateful he was for the experience and the character it built.

After graduating from Law School, Kent returned home to Tennessee, where he established a small practice and devoted himself to Criminal and Family Law. He served his clients faithfully until his passing, always guided by a strong sense of fairness and compassion.

Kent was a man of deep thought and quiet sentiment. His favorite poem was “IF” by Rudyard Kipling, a piece that spoke to his ideals. On his eighth birthday, his father crafted a walnut plaque engraved with the poem, a gift Kent treasured all his life and kept hanging on his office wall.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Iona Hinkle, with whom he spent many joyful childhood days while both of his parents were working. 

He is survived by his beloved son, Dylan Thomas Jones; mother, Wanda Jones, father, Johnny Jones; uncle, Allen Jones; aunt, Janice Hinkle and stepmother, Sue Jones, whose home cooked meals he especially appreciated.

Arrangements are by the Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Suite B, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 362-5999.