Jacqualyn Ruth Badgley Jones (Jackie), 92, lately of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died from natural causes on October 31, 2021.  

Jackie was born on January 13, 1929, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Ruth and Lawrence Badgley.  She loved to tell the story of how her mother preached a sermon at the local Salvation Army and then went straight home and gave birth to her. Jackie’s parents raised her and her eight siblings during the Great Depression and World War II. She is survived by her brother Lawrence Badgley and his wife Sharon, as well as her sister-in-law Bettye Badgley.  She is also survived by her sons, Larry (Gail), Terry, Gary (Sharon), KC (Ann Richards), and her daughter, Jan. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren, Tj, Ben, Ame (Jared), Kate, Chris, and Jennifer (widow of Anthony); her great-grandchildren Logan, Alayna, Sofia, Evan, and Morgan (Joe); and great-great-granddaughter, Molly. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ernest (Ernie) Jones, and her siblings David (Fran), Patricia (Robert), John, Carl, Judy, Laurel, and Lorraine.

Jackie was a devoted follower of Jesus and lifelong Salvationist (member of The Salvation Army).  She met her husband, Ernie, at The Salvation Army in December of 1945.  Legend has it that Ernie, who had just moved to Benton Harbor, was standing Christmas kettles for The Salvation Army outside the Big Bear Grocery where Jackie worked.  Jackie’s sister, Pat, bought a candy bar and gave it to Ernie, telling him it was from Jackie.  Later, after youth programs at the corps (Salvation Army church), a girl asked Ernie to walk her home.  He told her he couldn’t because he was going to walk Jackie home.  They were together from that day on.  

In August of 1946, while campers at The Salvation Army Territorial Bible and Leadership Institute (Bible camp), Jackie and Ernie planned their elopement. After they eloped, they returned to Chicago to begin their life together.  It was there that they raised their children (with short stays in Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Georgia).  They eventually retired in Pinellas Park, Florida. 

Throughout her life, Jackie worked at Sears doing clerical and catalogue work. She also worked at The Salvation Army Silver Lake Camp in Minnesota.  She retired after working many years at Manatee Hospital, Bradenton, Florida, where she was a unit secretary, and Ernie was a security guard.  After retirement, she worked part time as a part time bookkeeper for The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Jackie’s life was one marked by service and generosity.  Even when she had little to give, she was known to make sure no neighbor, friend, or acquaintance went hungry.  She also served in various ministries at all the corps she attended.  Whether she helped with Girl Guards, the Home League, or in the nursery, she joyfully gave her time, talent, and energy to spread the love of Jesus and serve people well. One motto of The Salvation Army perfectly describes how Jackie lived her life – with heart to God and hand to man.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Jackie’s life in the summer of 2022 in the Chicago area.  Details will be forthcoming. 

In lieu of any flowers, Jackie’s family asks that donations be given in her memory to The Salvation Army.