By Martha Herrera

We have all given him a smile and a “Thank you” as he helps us walk our children across busy 51st street to and from school in the mornings and afternoons.  We all truly appreciate his warm disposition and his attention to our safety as our crossing guard…but does anyone really know who is “he”???

He is Everett Jones and he loves his job as our crossing guard!  Mr. Jones has a long history of working with traffic and streets as he worked for the Tulsa Traffic and Engineering Department as a Traffic Control Maintenance Supervisor for 26 years.  Mr. Jones and his crew of about 40 workers were in charge of traffic signs, striping, meters and signal poles for the whole city of Tulsa!  After retiring, he became bored not having something to do so he signed up for a crossing guard position at Wilson Middle School.  Shortly after though, Mr. Jones was persuaded to become a bus driver for Carver Middle School and Booker T. Washington High School due to shortage of drivers.  Mr. Jones drove the bus for 6 years before deciding to apply for another crossing guard position.  The Tulsa Public Works Department then sent him our way!  “I like being a crossing guard.  I love the kids and I don’t have to deal with driving in traffic.”   

Mr. Jones was quick to mention that the parents and children in this area are really good about listening to him and following his directions.  For more safety, Mr. Jones stated that he would love to see another crosswalk on the west side of the intersection he works as well.  Mr. Jones says the kids are very good about following the orders from the principal on using the current crosswalk and continuing on that side of the entrance street up to the middle school even though there is no sidewalk for them to walk on.  Though he understands that the kids do not want to get their shoes wet or dirty, Mr. Jones is concerned about their safety when he sees some kids walking in the street.  “I would even buy the paint to make the crosswalk if they would approve it!”  he says half joking, half serious.  Mr. Jones would also like to see a signal light installed to help with traffic and crossing.  Mr. Jones wants to talk to the Traffic Engineer about the second crosswalk if he gets the chance. 

Mr. Jones also works as light maintenance worker at Berean Baptist Church where he and is wife, Judy, attend.  Mr. Jones proudly pointed out that he and his wife are about to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary on December 7!  “Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941, and I was bombed on December 7, 1956!”  These high school sweethearts have two children - Danny, 45, and Jacqueline, 49, and have a granddaughter cheering at OU!   Mr. Jones loves to fish and Mrs. Jones loves to shop.  However, since neither like the other’s hobby, they both enjoy traveling to places that accommodate both of their interests.  Mr. Jones thought long and hard after retiring on what type of job would suit his fishing habits and working with schools was the perfect choice!  Flat Rock Cove at Fort Gibson Lake is his favorite fishing spot and he loves using spinner baits and plastic worms to hook his favorite catch – bass. 

The Trinity Creek neighborhoods want to thank Mr. Jones for his dedication to our children’s safety! THANK YOU and happy fishing!