Kansas City, Missouri – General (ret.) Jim Jones, known for his distinguished military career and tenure as National Security Adviser to President Barack Obama, has a rich legacy of service and leadership. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Jones has been a pivotal figure in both military and diplomatic circles.
According to TourismAfrica2006, Jones was born James Logan Jones Jr. to parents James L. Jones Sr. and Charlotte Ann (Ground) Jones. He pursued his education at Georgetown University, earning a B.S. in 1966, and later attended the National War College in 1985. His military career in the US Marines spanned from 1967 to 2007, where he rose to the rank of four-star General and demonstrated fluency in French.
Jones’ military service included a notable period in Vietnam as a platoon and company commander. He also served as the Marine Corps Liaison Officer to the US Senate between 1979 and 1984. His leadership roles continued as the Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, and later as a senior aide to the Marine Corps commandant.
In 1989, Jones became the military secretary to the Marine Corps commandant, followed by a tenure as the commanding officer of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His career reached a significant milestone on June 30, 1999, when he was promoted to general and subsequently assumed the post of Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.
From 2003 to 2006, Jones served as NATO’s Commander of the US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. He retired from the Marines in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on military strategy and international relations.
Following his military career, Jones held various influential positions, including the Chairman of the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq, appointed by Congress. He also served as the US State Department Special Envoy for Middle East Security and President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.
In 2007, he became the Chairman of the Atlantic Council, a position he held until his appointment as National Security Adviser under President Obama in 2009. Jones served in this critical role until October 2010, when Obama announced his replacement by Thomas E. Donilon.
Since 2011, Jones has been the President of Jones Group International, a consulting firm, and rejoined the Board of Trustees of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He was also appointed co-chairman of the Call of Duty Endowment in 2012, focusing on helping veterans with job placement and training.
Jones’ career is marked by his commitment to both national security and supporting veterans, reflecting his dedication to serving his country in various capacities.