Howard D. Jones, a city cop for 30 years

Howard D. Jones was good at giving people advice - whether they wanted it or not.

But was it good advice? Absolutely, said his daughter Beatrice.

"He would tell you how to live," she said.

Howard Jones, a Philadelphia police officer for 30 years, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, an avid deep-sea fisherman and a devoted family man, died Wednesday of complications of multiple myeloma. He was 61 and lived in West Oak Lane.

He joined the police force in June 1977, starting as a patrol officer in the 17th District in South Philadelphia. He later served as a motorcycle cop in the Highway Patrol, and was in Civil Affairs when he retired in 2007.

"He loved being a cop," Beatrice said. "He was very proud of being a police officer."

His home was lined with framed commendations and awards for his service.

Howard was born in Philadelphia to Clyde Jones Sr. and the former Lillimae Hines. He left school to enter the Army, but later received his GED.

He joined the Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam as a medic. After his discharge, he worked for a time as an orderly at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

He earned a degree in criminal justice from the Community College of Philadelphia.

Howard liked to fish in the Atlantic off New Jersey, and enjoyed taking cruises to the Caribbean.

"He was very family-oriented," his daughter said. "He encouraged his children to be the best people we could be. He was very strong on education."

Besides his daughter, he is survived by his wife, the former Noelia Rivera; another daughter, Kimberly; a son, Michael; four sisters, Sandra, Olivia, Adrienne and Sharon; four brothers, Steven, Brian, Anthony and Leonard, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Bruce and Stanley.

Services: 10 a.m. Thursday at Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 4500 N. 10th St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Northwood Cemetery. *