Terry Junius Jones, age 87, of Dade City, Florida, passed away on January 5, 2026, at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa.

Terry was born on September 1, 1938, in Lacoochee, Florida, in his grandmother's home, to Thomas Jones and Bonnie Jarvis. He spent most of his life in the Pasco County area, a place that remained central to his identity throughout his life.

After graduating high school in 1956, Terry proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. During his service, he spent time above the Arctic Circle, an experience that reflected his resilience and adventurous spirit. He was honorably discharged in 1961 and returned to Florida, where he built a successful career as a commercial fisherman in the Gulf of Mexico. Known especially for his skill in catching pompano, Terry earned the enduring nickname "Pompano Jones."

In late 2005, Terry met Patricia "Tricia" Hanner at a festival in Florida, beginning a loving partnership marked by shared experiences and travel. They were married on June 2, 2006, in a ceremony on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Terry was a man of deep faith and was strongly devoted to God throughout his life. His faith provided him with guidance, comfort, and strength, and remained an important and constant presence for him.

Terry is survived by his wife, Tricia Jones; his stepdaughter, Elisabeth Mabie, and family; his sons, Jerry Jones and Chuck Jones, and their families; and his sisters, Arvis Cail and Wanda Hall, and their families. He was preceded in death by a nephew.

Services for Terry J. Jones will be held on January 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Terry will be remembered for his lifelong connection to the sea, his proud military service, his strong faith, his love for his wife, and the distinctive life he lived on his own terms.