By Beth Alston

AMERICUS — Eagle Scout Courts of Honor are always special occasions; however, this one was even more so as the third son in a family became an Eagle Scout. Jurrell Jones, youngest son of Clay and Tammye Jones of Americus, joined the ranks of his two older brothers Saturday in the elite circle. Clay Jr. achieved Eagle rank in 2012, and Mycah earned his Eagle in 2015.

Jurrell was honored Saturday at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Americus in an impressive ceremony amongst illustrious colleagues. U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr. and former state Sen. George Hooks, both Distinguished Eagle Scouts, spoke at the event. Both leaders presented commendations and explanations of this high and historic achievement.
Said Bishop, D-Albany, “Boy Scouts provides the foundation for strong character. It is about honor and duty to God and country — about being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. These are not just traits listed from a Scout manual, but a code by which to live one’s life. There is nothing I value more in my upbringing than the foundation I received in Scouts.
“Jurrell Jones’ attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout is a true testament to these traits and signals his ongoing service to our society. I congratulate him on this significant achievement. I am confident that the lessons and values he has learned from Scouting will forever guide his personal, family, and professional life.”
Hooks, in his comments, traced the founding of the Boy Scouts of America back to the early 20th century, when, in 1909, William D. Boyce, a Chicago newspaper publisher who was led to safety by an unknown Scout while visiting foggy London. The American was so impressed that he brought the story of the good deed by the Scout back home to the United States and convinced Congress to grant Boy Scouts of America a charter on Feb. 8, 1920.
“Since that time,” Hooks said, “it has become the largest and oldest youth organization the world has ever known.”
The former statesman also traced the colored red, white and blue and other colors of the Eagle Scout badge to represent honor, character, loyalty, courage, cheerfulness and service.
“Service to family, service to community, service to state and service to nation,” said Hooks.
Proclamations were also presented by Americus Mayor J. Barry Blount, Sumter County Commissioner Clay Jones Sr., U.S. Marine Corps representative Jim Murphy, and U.S. Army representative Kenneth Cutts. Closing remarks were given by the Rev. Dr. DeRienzia Johnson, pastor of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.
See more photos page A2.