Harvey & Bernice Jones

The legacy and work of Springdale philanthropists Harvey and Bernice Jones is well known in Northwest Arkansas and across the state. Almost as familiar as their names are the examples of how willing they were to give and support fellow friends and neighbors.

Harvey and Bernice Jones were an integral part of the growth and success of Springdale and Northwest Arkansas. When Springdale could not afford to keep its schools open in the 1930s, Harvey Jones rented a church, hired a teacher and paid for school supplies so the school could continue teaching students. Bernice, who was a teacher at the time, had a great love for children and tirelessly worked to support students and families throughout her life.  

Before his death in 1989, Harvey Jones founded and operated the largest private trucking business in the U.S., Jones Truck Lines in Springdale. Despite his enormous success, Harvey remained focused on improving his local community. He was instrumental in the development of the city's first hospital, Springdale Memorial Hospital, and served on the hospital’s board for 47 years, guiding and providing financial support through the hospital’s expansion and transformation into Northwest Medical Center. Harvey also served many years on the local bank board.

Bernice was a key supporter for the Children's Library Fund, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Baptist Youth Ranch and various other programs that improve the lives of youth. Bernice shared Harvey's love for their community. She served on the hospital board and established the hospital's auxiliary.

Throughout the lives of Harvey and Bernice Jones, giving was a key element. Six years after Harvey’s death, Bernice gave their “Legacy Gift” when she founded The Harvey and Bernice Jones Center for Families, now known as the Jones Center. With this gift, Bernice’s aimed to continue forever what she and Harvey worked so hard to achieve.

The Jones Legacy

The Jones Truck Line legacy encompasses quality of service and quality of life and the Jones name is synonymous with both. Sharing the success of one of the country's largest and most successful transportation companies in recent history, the legacy of Bernice and Harvey Jones' generous giving and commitment to the Northwest Arkansas community continues touching lives today. 

Built from the original Jones Truck Lines terminal facility after it closed, Bernice Jones’ vision of a special place for learning, play and fellowship came to fruition with the opening of the Jones Center. More than just the bricks and steel that enclose its 220,000 square feet of space, the Jones Center is a destination for growth, enrichment and fun – a place where Bernice proclaimed,

"All are welcome."

Even when Bernice opened the Jones Center in 1995, she knew that for the Center to thrive, it would require the community’s involvement and support. 

“I want the people of the community to realize that the Jones Center is not just for me, but for everybody… and to be part of it; because I want this to go on for years and years when I can’t be here anymore.” – Bernice Jones, founder

Serving Springdale: Harvey & Bernice Jones

Springdale's Founding Families, a 2010 Telly Award recipient

A tribute to Gene George, recipient of the inaugural Spirit of Harvey Jones Award