November 9, 1923 – August 2020
Former Tuskegee Airman, Flight Instructor/Owner, and President of International Air Association
Herbert H. Jones Jr. career in aviation, spanning more than 60 years and he is considered by many a pioneer in the aviation field. Born in Washington, DC in the historic Deanwood community, Herbert attended Dunbar Senior High School and later attended Howard University for two years before serving in World War II. Mr. Jones became a true pioneer by owning and operating one of the first minority airlines, flying charters between the U.S. and Caribbean. Additionally, as a member of the Civil Air Patrol Mr. Jones attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served as a training officer, Group Commander and Director of Operations at the Wing Level in Nations Capital.
In 1987 Herbert Jones and his wife Mildred founded the “Cloud Club II” a Prince Georges County based aviation club dedicated to fostering interest in aviation and flight training with a focus on the minority community in the Fort Washington area. As a devoted member of the community, Mr. Jones has worked to make the dream of aviation a reality for over 150 students. The “Cloud Club II” has conducted flight training for Morgan State University, The Tuskegee Airmen “Youth In Aviation” program, and orientation flights for the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees.
In 2004 Herbert Jones was honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” during a ceremony at the College Park Aviation Museum. Herb also co-owned Columbia Air Center after John W. Green Jr’s retirement.
Herbert Jones and his wife Mildred have retired from the flight training school. The new school operated by George London, in honor and recognition of Mr. Jones’ s achievements was named “H.J. AVIATION” and they are located at Rose Valley Airport – Fort Washington, Maryland.
Submitted by his son, Herbert H. Jones III
This documentary, One Man’s Flight Plan, depicts this veteran’s fascinating and inspiring life.
Herbert H. Jones, Jr had his primary flight training at Kessler Field at Tuskegee. Chief Alfred Anderson was his primary instructor while at Tuskegee. Chief Anderson also gave a teenage Herbert Jones 5 flying lessons before WWII at Arlington Aviation Center in Arlington, Va. Herbert’s father saw an ad in the Washington Afro. Below is that ad
