"From the Walters Family: Our sincere condolences to Aunty Bev, Anthony & the entire family. Uncle Seymour is loved beyond words & will never be forgotten, by us & by many others. He?s been apart of our family forever & we?ll always remember him that way. He was our advisor, our friend, our Godfather, our wingman, our mentor and just an integral part of all our lives. We only wish we had more time. Thank you all for sharing him with us and so many others. We love you, you?ll always be in our hearts, thoughts & prayers. RIP Uncle Seymour, thank you for so much! We love you, we miss you. Say hi to Shaniqua for us and we can?t wait to see & be with you guys again. Lisa & the Walters Family."
In loving memory of
Seymour A Jones
September 22, 1950 - October 2, 2018
Seymour Anthony Jones was born September 22, 1950 to Francis Jones and Meryl Williamson in Clarendon, Jamaica. At the age of twelve, Seymour immigrated to Queens, New York to live with his father. Seymour attended Intermediate School 59 and Woodrow Wilson High School, where he graduated in June of 1968. Shortly thereafter, Seymour joined the military and was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1972.
Seymour went on to become a NYC corrections officer for a year and a half, then joined the NYPD in June of 1974. He began his career patrolling the streets of Far Rockaway, elevated himself to the plainclothes unit and his ambitions led to him being promoted to sergeant in 1982. In 1983, after experiencing life's ups and downs as a divorced father of two children, Seymour found new love. While volunteering for the NYPD Guardians Association, Seymour met Beverly, a police recruit taking tutorial classes that were sponsored by the organization. Their union would last more than 30 years.
Seymour continued to excel within the police department being promoted to lieutenant in 1989 then lieutenant special assignment in 1994. In 1995, Seymour was awarded the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Community Policing Fellowship award, which detailed him to Glynco, Georgia for 9 months. As a testament to his diligence in his 23 year NYPD career, Seymour achieved several academic accomplishments. He earned associate's and bachelor's degrees from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, an M.P.A from Long Island University, graduated from the FBI National Academy and Federal Executive Institute, earned a second master's degree in criminology from SUNY Albany and completed all course requirements towards a PhD in criminal justice at SUNY. Seymour retired from the NYPD as the Commanding Officer of the Executive Development Unit in August of 1997.
In the fall of 1997, Seymour obtained a job within the federal government's Department of Homeland Security. During this time, he enhanced his training and program development skills. He instructed and developed programs in the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. He led multi-agency teams in conducting regional law enforcement training needs assessments worldwide, including in Russia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Central America. In 2001, Seymour was appointed director of the newly opened International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Gaborone, Botswana. Seymour was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Special Assistant to the President for International Affairs, a member of the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and for several years an adjunct professor at John Jay College. Seymour finally retired from FLETC in December 2015, making Brunswick, Georgia his permanent home.
The professional and academic success Seymour earned are no less than extraordinary. However, those accomplishments could not compare to what his family, friends and colleagues knew most about him. His love for family, mentorship and benevolence were immeasurable. Seymour could always be counted on in a time of need. He was the most dependable person who could be trusted, resourceful and most of all, inspiring. The impact of his loss will be felt for years to come. Those of us who had the opportunity to share a moment in time with Seymour wish only one thing.........that we got to "see more".
Seymour has now gone to rest with his parents, Francis and Meryl, his step-mother Florence, his brother Henry, and his daughter, Shaniqua. Seymour leaves behind to celebrate his life, his wife Beverly, his son Lee Anthony (Stephanie), his son-in-law, Trevor, his brothers Cleveland, Glenmore, Vincent, Steve and Paul, his grandchildren, Asia, Courtney, Colby, Taylor and Shelby, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to list, but no less significant in his life.
Tributes
"In memory of a true hero and a protector of our country, your professional service helped so many to reach higher goals. Rest well and we will never forget you. Our prayers to your family. Love Jacques and Renee "
"Sandra Maragh ( Donna ) I had the privilege of knowing Seymour in a family setting. He was the most caring, giving and humble human being to all that came across his path. It seems like the good always goes early. I want to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to his entire family especially Beverly and Lee. I?m sure you both have a lot of memories that will keep him where he belong now ??in your hearts ??. May God continue to strengthen you both as well as the rest of family and associates who was blessed to have known such a wonderful person. We cannot Lord thy purpose see but all is well that?s done by thee. Be blessed. "
"Our most sincere condolences to the family. I had the privilege to have worked with Mr. Jones and succeed him at the ILEA in Botswana years later. Prior to that assignment I spend many hours chatting with Mr. Jones about the job and life in general. He was a great mentor and listener and cared very much about his people. I am lucky that I had the opportunity to know and work with him. Our thoughts and prayers with the family - Francisco and Paula Berrios."
"To the family, we are so sorry to hear of Seymour's death. He had just stopped by to say hello at a birthday gathering at our home two weeks before. He was smiling, happy and appeared healthy. God knows best. We were so happy to have been in his presence. Bless you family and praying for you. Owen ("Bobsie") and Patricia Tabois, Plantation "