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Leon Jones, former Cherokee chief, dies
By Derek Hodges
 Leon Jones, who held several offices with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians including principal chief, died Friday (Dec. 30) at his home in Cherokee’s Big Y community.
Jones, 69, battled illness, including cancer, for several years. Throughout that time, however, he still played a leadership role in the tribe, and was recently recognized for his contributions to the tribe’s emergency services. The Tribal EMS building, which was begun during Jones’ time as chief, was named for him during a ceremony in July 2005.
Jones served as chief from 1999 to 2003, which was a period of continuous progress for the tribe. In addition to his work with Tribal EMS, Jones’ tenure was also marked by:
• Completion of negotiations with the state on a 30-year tribal gaming compact that sets forth the parameters for the tribe’s casino operation. “That compact ensures our people financial gains from the gaming industry that have allowed us to improve our schools and run our government,” Jones told The Herald in July.
• A land swap with the National Park Service that secured the 143-acre Ravensford tract for the tribe. The tribe’s schools will be located on that property. “That will have a lasting impact on this tribe. The acquisition of that property is one of my proudest accomplishments as chief,” Jones said.
• The establishment of a retirement plan for tribal employees.
• Adoption of a hospital compact and securing $5 million each year for the hospital. Jones led the tribe in taking over operations of Cherokee Indian Hospital from the Indian Health Service.
Jones’s achievements left a lasting impact on the tribe, current Principal Chief Michell Hicks said.
“He was definitely an honorable man and his contributions to the tribe will be long-serving for our members,” said Hicks, who worked directly with Jones for four years. “I learned a lot from him. I’m very appreciative of the time I got to spend with him.”
Jones, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, was the son of an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While he wasn’t a native of Cherokee, he said his family always considered the reservation home.
He served in the U.S. Marines and Air Force for 26 years, including two tours in Vietnam. After retiring from the military, he moved to Cherokee in January 1980 and became the first chief magistrate of the tribal court.
After his term as magistrate; he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, including two years as postmaster; managed Cherokee Tribal Bingo, which is the world’s largest bingo operation; and was a tribal council member from Wolfetown from 1985-1987.
During a July 2005 interview with The Herald, Jones stressed the importance of preserving the past of the Cherokee people, while working to better the tribe’s future. One way to do that is to build stronger relationships with other governments, Jones said.
“I think (regional governmental bodies) should all get to know each other better. We’re all striving for the betterment of Western North Carolina, not just what’s good for the county or the tribe,” he said. “The way to do that is to work together to preserve our past and live together in peace and harmony. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and we need to protect it.”
Funeral services for Jones were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, in the auditorium of Cherokee High School. Jones’ body lay in state in the auditorium for three hours prior to the service.
For more information on Jones, see his obituary on page 8A.
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