Agriculture teachers, advisors and officers are often in the FFA spotlight. While these people are crucial to the National FFA Organization’s success, it is sometimes the humble, behind-the-scenes operators who make an FFA chapter shine.
Meeker FFA in Oklahoma shines because of people like Brian Jones. Whether helping to organize a fundraiser, working tirelessly at his job, or investing in his family, Jones has become one of the biggest supporters of the FFA chapter, the members, and the town itself. As the vice president of the Meeker FFA Booster Club, Jones has helped the chapter continue growing.
“I believe we have a responsibility to the next generation on guiding and instructing to help educate wherever we can,” he said.
Jones grew up in Perry, Okla., and eventually migrated to the small town of Meeker, where he now resides with his wife, Kristy, and their two children, Gracin and Olivia. Both kids are active in showing cattle. Because of this, Jones knows firsthand the hard work, long hours and patience it takes to raise quality animals. When he’s not working his own cattle, you’ll often find him helping local FFA members. He’s always ready to lend a hand.
However, it’s not the hard work, successful livestock, or even his role on the booster club that draws people to him. He is encouraging to everyone he encounters, whether it’s his own child or someone else’s. To him, every member of Meeker FFA is valuable. At chapter events, Jones’s presence is almost a guarantee. He is always reliable at nearly every public FFA event. Whether it is the chapter picnic or the end-of-the-year banquet, he just steps in where he’s needed and gets the job done.
His leadership as a booster club officer helps raise money for FFA members to participate in what they enjoy. His gentle spirit finds him serving as the youth pastor at Mammoth Baptist Church, continually investing in the community’s youth.
“We are all gifted in different areas, so sharing our time and talents in those areas is necessary to ensure those interests continue to flourish,” he said. His influence reaches every corner of the organization. “I believe that Jesus is the greatest example of a servant and definitely want anyone to be able to influence others,” he said.
Beyond the titles and responsibilities, what stands out most about Jones is his attitude. He’s humble, hardworking and kind.
“Some find joy in coaching sports, raising livestock, or teaching music,” he said. “I am not very talented but have extra time to spend with students to help encourage them to achieve their goals.”
At the end of the day, Jones doesn’t just help Meeker FFA; he helps build character, responsibility and pride in every member he encounters. While he may never ask for recognition, he is always “Living to Serve.”
