Banking on Jones

I still remember the first Seadrift Chamber of Commerce meeting which I attended at the First National Bank community room in Seadrift back in 2009. The group quickly welcomed me into the activities and one of those people was Jason Jones. Three years later, here we are… and it’s truly an understatement when I say time has gone by so fast.

Jason was born in 1980 in San Antonio, Texas. He was adopted by William (Bill) and Mary Zamykal Jones who lived in Port Lavaca, so he grew up in Calhoun County, graduated from Calhoun High School in 1998 and Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in 2002. He married Lesley Mayne in November of 2002 and began working at First National Bank (FNB) in December of the same year in their management trainee program. Jason began learning their style of banking from the ground up and became a lender in Port Lavaca; he was then promoted to Branch Manager in Seadrift. Eight months shy of his 10 year anniversary at FNB, Jason announced in late February that he would be leaving the branch. Waves of shock rocked the community as news spread quickly.

Jones will pursue a career advancement in Woodsboro with The First National Bank of Woodsboro which is a small locally owned bank serving Woodsboro and Refugio. “I believe the bank has a bright future and lots of room for growth, located in an area vital to the booming oil and gas industry with its access to rail and proximity to the ports Refugio county which is sure to see growth,” he said.

Jason’s list of volunteer work with multiple non-organizations is extensive. He has been deeply rooted in our county and held numerous leadership positions: Port Lavaca Evening Lions Club, Vice President, President; 2010 District 2S4 Lion of the Year; Seadrift Lions Club, Guiding Lion/ New Club Sponsor; The Harbor, Event Volunteer; Habitat For Humanity, Volunteer; Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador; Partners In Education, Volunteer, Science Fair Judge, Spelling Bee Judge; Dow Chemicals Community Advisory Panel 2006 -2011; and lastly, Seadrift Chamber of Commerce, Vice President and President.

He has also assisted via the Seadrift Chamber or Lions in the following: Texas Water Safari, Texas200 Sailboat Race, Seadrift Boy Scouts Troop 106 and an abundance of benefits such as bbqs, and fish frys.

His dedicated commitment to our community has not gone without notice. Jason was voted “Top 20 under 40” in June of 2011 by the Victoria Advocate. When asked what success was like to him, he answered, “To me, success is when you don’t really think you’ve done anything great or special, but other people see it in you.”

Jason looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Lesley, and children, Kendall and Mackenzie. especially being more involved with their school activities. Plus probably a little less volunteer work. Jason said, “This job will give me this opportunity as well as put in a place in my career that I want to be, with greater responsibility in upper management.”

It will be strange to not have Jason by our side implementing new projects. I will miss posting up the new Shrimpfest banners, carrying bags of ice cold beer into the beer booth or simply choosing (debating) the new color(s) of shirts for Shrimpfest sans Jones. He leaves his stamp of dedication amongst us all. Since announcing his new career path, I’m sure I speak for more than myself when I say – Jason, we all wish you well in all of your future endeavors. Without a doubt, you will be missed and we know you will swiftly advance in the new environment. Don’t be a stranger! Till next time.