Fred Lee Jones

Mr. Fred Lee Jones departed this life peacefully at home on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He and his twin brother, Frank were born on March 16, 1935 to Willie and Fannie Mae Jones, in Thomaston, GA. They were the youngest of 10 children. Fred's family relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he attended Kalamazoo Public Schools. He later served his apprenticeship in the Brick Layers Union and became a card-carrying Stone Mason and Brick Layer.

Fred was a man of faith with a strong "entrepreneurial spirit" and he was very active in the community. In 1962, he opened his first business, the Ambassador Lounge. He obtained the first Class "C" liquor license in the County and City of Kalamazoo in 1965. During this time, Fred served three terms on the Kalamazoo City Planning Commission (from 1969 to 1974). In 1973, he opened Mr. President Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge for business luncheons and also a full-service dinner menu was provided to patrons. Fred had a flair for connecting with people locally, and also with sports and entertainment celebrities who would stop by as well. His motto for his businesses and personal life was, "To be the best we can be". To prove that he did indeed do his best, Fred was awarded "Outstanding Minority Businessman" by the State of Michigan in 1976, and in 1977 was appointed as an advisor to Governor William Milliken for Minority Business Affairs. Fred also served three terms as a Director on the Downtown Development Authority (named "DKI"-Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated).

With the success of Mr. President and being community minded serving on different committees, Fred still had a desire to expand his entrepreneurial efforts into a different market, so in 1984 he opened Rapid Transit Cab Company on South Burdick Street for taxi and bus transportation, along with delivery services. He then acquired the Yellow Cab Company to augment and expand these services. When Fred saw a need for a larger location, he moved the property to North Street and the business became The Yellow and Checker Cab Company and the Executive Car Service.

Fred met Sandra Lee E. King in Kalamazoo, MI and they united in marriage on September 4, 1988 in Hampton Bays, NY.

Fred loved the Lord and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Otha Gilyard for many years. He also attended Galilee Baptist Church.

If there were words that would sum up Fred's life, it would be a strong believer in God, faithful, ambitious and devoted.

Fred was preceded in death by his son, Todd Jones, and daughter Carla Johnson; his parents, Willie and Fannie Mae Jones; his 9 siblings and one nephew, Tommie Brooks, Sr.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sandra Lee E. Jones; his son, Chris Jones; his bonus daughter, Kerri (Jeff) Caldwell; grandchildren, Morgan Jones, Myles Jones, Sasha Hoyle and Latiece Johnson; great-grandchildren, Alex Hoyle, Stephon Hoyle-Groat, Felix Hoyle-Groat, Lawson Jones, Lennon Jones, Lincoln Jones, and Nolan Jones; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.