Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 at Fort Thomas, Arizona, as the son of a Unites States Army Captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred and the family moved east. In 1909, he married Rose Amanda Freeman and in 1913, he started his own business Melvin Jones Insurance Agency.

He soon joined the Business Circle, a businessmens luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time, devoted solely to promoting 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, 22 delegates from mens clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born. It was stipulated that clubs were not to be social in nature nor were permitted to promote their own business interests.

Jones eventually abandoned insurance agency to devote full time of Lionism at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions Clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded men.

In 1950 when Lions membership had passed 4,00,000 mark, the International Board of Directors conferred upon Melvin Jones the title of Secretary General of Lions Clubs International for life. In 1958, the Board changed his office title to "Founder and Secretary General."

Lionisms Founder was also recognized as a leader outside the Association. One of his greatest honours was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant in San Francisco at the organization of the United Nations.

His helpmate for 45 years passed away in 1954. In his solitude, he married Lillian M. Radigan in 1956. She kept him happy.

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 men the world over. He died on June 1, 1961 at 82 years of age.

His mortal remains were interred at Mount Hope Cemetery. His life is a benediction, his service is an inspiration. He has blazed a trail worthy of following by all Lions.