JONES, WILBUR – CAPTAIN, U.S. NAVY
Class of 1951Service: U.S. Navy
Service Dates: 1955-1985
Rank: CAPT
Notable: Former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford
Graduated New Hanover High School 1951. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1955, he joined the Navy and went to Officer Candidate School.
History is a living thing to CAPT Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. USNA (Ret.) with quadruple careers in the military, government, politics and writing. While serving in the Navy he was chief of staff for a congressman and worked with President Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
He has spearheaded projects to seek national recognition for Wilmington to be designated as the first American World War II Heritage City.
Jones, a nationally known, award-wining author has authored 18 books on military history and national defense issues and is working on his memoir (19th book). Governor Pat McCrory appointed him chairman of the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission. Recognition includes the Wilmington Star News Media Lifetime Achievement Award (2012).
He is a retired professional college and high school baseball umpire and basketball referee. Passions are physical fitness, history, learning, and Tar Heels basketball.
Accolades: Nationally know, award-winning author and military historian. Retired Navy Captain and former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford
Accolades: Nationally know, award-winning author and military historian. Retired Navy Captain and former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford