Melvin Jones – Founder of Lions Clubs International

Selfless service and sacrifice, devotion, and dedication towards the cause of the less fortunate make a man truly great. One such truly great man was our founder MELVIN JONES.

Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879, in Fort Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred and the family moved east As a young man, Melvin Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance firm, and in 1913 formed his own agency.

He soon Joined the business circle, a businessman’s luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear Melvin Jones, however, had other plans.
What if these men,” he asked, “who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?” Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men’s club met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born.
Melvin Jones eventually abandoned his insurance agency to devote himself full time to Lions at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions club earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded members.
The association’s founder was also recognized as a leader by those outside the association. One of his greatest honors was in 1945 when he represented Lions Club International of the United Nations Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code you cant get very far until you start doing something for somebody else’ became a guiding principle for public-spirited people the world over, died June 1, 1961 at 82 years of age.
He is no more with us but he is and will ever be with millions and millions of committed Lions who live fully to their own proclamation WE SERVE. His life was a benediction. His vision is an inspiration.