Memorial held for late Parks and Recreation Director Julia Thompson Jones

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – Friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate the life and dedication of the late Parks and Recreation Director Julia Thompson Jones on Tuesday morning at Capaha Park.

Jones started her employment as Parks and Recreation Director with the City of Cape Girardeau in July of 2011, and exactly 10 years and one day later she retired from the Parks and Recreation Department with so many improvements to the City of Cape Girardeau.

The design and revision of Capaha Park was all her vision.

One of the largest accomplishments in Julia’s career with the city was the renewal of the Parks, Recreation and Storm water Tax in 2018 which passed with an 81% approval from the citizens of Cape The tax renewal provides over 27 million in sales tax funds towards park improvements over a 15 year period.

Doug Gannon, who is the current Parks and Recreation Director says, “We’re renovating the central municipal pool, we have a partnership that we have established with the Cape Girardeau Public School District, we developed a southside park. There’s just a multitude of projects and programs that are going to be taking place.”

A plaque has been unveiled at shelter #3 during the ceremony to honor her life’s work.

Julia’s sister, Trisha Thompson Kell, says, “This is the culmination of the many years of work with Parks & Rec and city workers and everyone.”

Julia passed away on August 9, 2021 at the age of 62.