Nate Jones Sr.

Nate passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Nate Jones was born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 10, 1949 to Thomas Jones and Vera Mae Thomas. His mother, Vera, was born in Buxton Iowa, a coal mining town. Buxton has been called a Utopia, where black and white citizens lived and worked together in harmony in the early 1900’s. Buxton welcomed and sought out black professionals like doctors, lawyers and bankers as well as the many miners. Descendants of Buxton have great pride in their heritage.

Nate came from a very humble beginning. He was born on the southeast side of Des Moines, often referred to as the "bottoms”. They had no running water and had to pull wagons several blocks to the historic Southeast Water Trough which still remains in its original location. After filling their buckets, they pulled it back home. When he was 5, he moved to Hutton street on the Eastside. He attended Wallace Elementary school, Amos Hiatt Middle School and East High School. He also attended Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO and later took classes at Drake University where he met his wife, Joanna.

He began his love for electrical work at Albright Davis, moving on to ABC Electric. There he learned the precise skills of his trade. In 1979, he quit ABC and started his own electrical contracting business, American Electric, becoming the first black electrical contractor in the city of Des Moines. He continued his business until he retired.

Nate was an easy-going person. Well-liked by all that met him. He always had a big, bright smile. He enjoyed coaching his sons and attending all his children's and grandchildren’s sporting activities. He was always ready to give them advice on their sport. He and Joanna enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. He loved the outdoors, whether it be working in the yard and garage, shooting baskets, fishing, camping, and biking. He traveled throughout the United States taking the family on many adventures.

Nate is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Joanna; children, Laura Fosselman, Nate, Jr., Andrea Roundtree (Mark), Angela Jones (Kenyatta Elamin) and Zack Jones; grandchildren, Anna, Elizabeth, Ariana, Olivia (Antonio Butler), Alea, Brooklyn, Joshua, Myah, Adrianna, Kayla, Isaiah, Noah, and Jonah; 8 great grandchildren, Jeramiah, Jaxon, Emerson, Oliver, Elijah, Legend, Legacy, and Khiari; sister, Margaret (Dave Shumpert); and his brothers, Thomas Sr., Steven, Gregory (Michelle), Mark (Fana) and Darwin.

Preceded in death were his parents, Thomas and Vera Mae Jones, brother, Vincent and his beloved grandson, Jeramiah Waddell.

The family will greet friends Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10 am to 11 am with the funeral service to follow at 11 am at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th in Des Moines. Iowa. Nate will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Unity Point Care at Home and Unity Point Hospice for the special care given to Nate.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Nate.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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