Jack Jones

A second-generation cattle and soybean farmer fromPottsvilleinPopeCounty, Jack Jones has actively served as an advocate for agriculture on the state and local level throughout his adult life. Following graduation from Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University) in 1956, Jones returned home and farmed in partnership with his father until taking over control of the farm in 1970. He built a successful 1,600-acre cattle and row crop operation in theArkansas RiverValleywhich included soybeans, milo and wheat. In 1969 he was elected to the Arkansas Farm Bureau board of directors and seven years later to the office of vice president, a position he held for 17 years. Prior to that he served as president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the Pope County Farm Bureau. These positions gave Jones a platform to speak publicly about the importance of agriculture to the state and his community. Among his accomplishments was being a member of the committee which created LeadAR, the Cooperative Extension Service’s leadership and professional development program. He has been a frequent speaker at local civic clubs and other organizations. A firm supporter of higher education, Jones served on thePetitJeanCollegeboard of trustees, Arkansas Tech alumni board and Arkansas Economic Education Council, the latter a post he held for 20 years. He also served 12 years on the Pottsville School Board and as president for two of those years. A tireless worker, Jones served 30 years on the Pope County Fair Board in addition to terms on the Soybean Promotion Board and First National Bank of Russellville board of directors. Because of his leadership and successful farming operation, Jones was namedPopeCounty’s “Outstanding Young Farmer” in 1961 and two years later his family was recognized as the county’s “Farm Family of the Year.”