Howard Richard Jones Jr, known affectionately as Howie or Ricky, passed away on December 3, 2024, in Malden, Massachusetts, at the age of 72. Born on March 13, 1952, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Howard led a life marked by commitment to his community, passion for the arts, and devotion to his family.

Howard’s early education took place at Webster School in Cambridge and the Devereux School in Glenmore, Pennsylvania, followed by his attendance at Rindge Technical School. Though details of his higher education remain abbreviated to “SOHK,” his career and personal endeavors speak volumes about his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and community service.

Professionally, Howard dedicated 34 years to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) as a Heavy Equipment Operator. His commitment to youth and community shone through his roles as a Lifeguard, Swimming Instructor, and Youth Counselor for the City of Cambridge. Even after retirement, he continued to impact young lives as a volunteer with various youth programs in Cambridge and Malden, including coaching basketball and baseball, where his teams often enjoyed championship seasons including 2X CRLS State Championships 2016/2017 Proud member and past Exalted Ruler of the Massasiot Elks Lodge 129 Camb, MA

An artist at heart, Howard was actively involved in the local arts scene, participating in numerous art shows and displays in Cambridge and Malden. His creativity was also evident in his personal style, from his dapper suits to H’s elegant hat collection, which was always impeccably sharp, reflecting his “fashionesta” flair.

Howard’s spiritual life was centered around St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church and St. Paul AME Church, where he was a regular attendee. With over three decades in the Narcotics Anonymous program H demonstrated unwavering dedication to his recovery journey while remaining on a continuous path of self-discovery and helping others. H’s resilience has been unshakable, one that requires strength, humility, and an unwavering commitment to growth along with deep commitment to overcoming addiction and living a life of service and integrity.”

In his personal time, Howard enjoyed mentoring young people, arts and crafts, and sports. His love for keno and gambling were well known among his friends and family, adding a playful dimension to his multifaceted personality.

Howard is survived by his children, Corance Richard Jones, Jarrod Vance Jones Sr., Roxxanne Lene Jones, and Tatyana Lace Jones; his grandchildren, Lanaeya Alise Spencer Jones, Amber Taylor Spencer Jones, Romello Dharon Williams Jones, Diamond Korlaya Jones, Nalani Paris Jones, Tommy Steele, Makyra Steele, Talayjaa Lene Jones, Levi Devear Jones-Clemons, Jarrod Vance Jones Jr, Lincoln Gregory Jones, Genevieve Mavis Jones; and his great-grandchildren, Lyle and Kensley Johnson. He also leaves behind his siblings, Georgina Dottin, Diana Brown, Paula
Jones, Darlene Jones, and Ronald “RJ” Jones, alongside a host of cousins, friends, and extended family members.
Preceding him in death were his birth mother Mayetta Harding, his beloved mother Edna Eugene Harding, his father Howard R. Jones Sr., late spouse Phyllis Jones “HoneyBee” and his siblings Valiaza Jones and Earl Jones.

Services to honor Howard’s life will be held on December 13, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm at Boston Cremation, located at 287 Main St, Malden, MA 02148.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made via CashApp ($HowardRJonesJr) or Apple Pay (8573213234) Howard’s legacy of love, art, and community engagement will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Original Poem by HRJ Jr
Missing you is all I ever do
Liking you is what I am used too
Loving you could be all I do
I can’t have you the way I want to
Because I’m like roots that seeks the rain
Like when the Sun grows the grain
From your eyes to my soul your eyes mean
So much to me that What makes me show this
Shine of glow to write this so
My rose to take and comfort your heart
Like a cotton field that grows with rows and rows
Missing you is all I ever know
From the HowArt Collections circa 2K9