Our People: Native son of a native son

Brian Allen Jones was born and raised in Clovis, the middle child of Cletis and Pat Jones, of Clovis. His father was a big supporter of the family's love of sports and would take the children to motocross racing all over the country and his mother was like the family cheerleader when she was not working in the home. He has one sister, Kim Jones Helgeson, and one brother, Ronnie Jones.

His family has a long history in the eastern New Mexico. He said that his great-grandfather was one of the first settlers in Curry County. His family has owned and operated many businesses in the area.

Jones graduated from Clovis High School in 1981. From age 15 until last year, Jones has played local softball. He enjoys sporting events, watching food shows and cooking, learning about other cultures and spending time with family.

Jones went on to become an automotive serviceman and has done so for at least 30 years to date.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

It's waking up to a beautiful day and working in the yard; spending the day with the people I love at a good barbecue and swimming in the pool.

What's your favorite taste? Smell?

My favorite taste is perfectly cooked prime rib with fresh horseradish. My favorite smell that I can still remember was walking into my grandmother's house, my other grandmother's house my mom's house and my mother-in-law's house at Thanksgiving and Christmas. There's no better smell than the food that comes from a house full of family and love.

Who's invited to your fantasy dinner party and why?

John Wayne, Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe. I would fix them all their favorite meals and just sit back and let the show begin. John Wayne is full of knowledge and he's one of my heroes. Dean Martin is the debonair playboy with a great sense of humor and Marilyn Monroe to sit there and look beautiful.

What's so great about your favorite sport?

I enjoy baseball the most, especially with the excitement of being in the stadium. The excitement from the crowd is a rush. I also love motocross, which I've raced myself for many years. Supercross is a ton of excitement as well.

What do you do when you're not working?

I love to fish and ride motorcycles. I'm an avid motorcyclist.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Giving.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

I wanted to be a forest ranger. I've always enjoyed the outdoors and being in the mountains.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

My two beautiful daughters, Whitney Jones Safranek and Kambrey Jones Baker. They're both successful, strong, caring and loving women.

Tell us about your parents.

They are the two most giving, supportive and beautiful people I know. They were my biggest fans growing up and continue to be today.

Tell us about your favorite place to travel?

My favorite place to travel to is Colorado. They have beautiful mountains. It is where I like to ride motorcycles. Colorado is a place where I feel the most relaxed to travel.

- Compiled by The News Correspondent

D'Nieka Hartsfield