Ron's Inspirational Journey

I'm Ron Jones, and if there's one thing I've learned from my journey, it's that life is full of surprising twists—and those twists are where the magic happens. My story has taken me from the bustling streets of Oakland as a young police officer to anchoring the evening news in Atlanta, and even to serving our country in the U.S. Army. Through it all, I've discovered that every challenge is just a chapter in a bigger, more powerful story.

After high school, I chose a path not many expected—joining the Army. I didn't have the chance to go to college right away, but I knew I had a purpose. I became an expert in tank warfare, served on the DMZ in South Korea, and later trained as a Military Police officer. Those years taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of serving something greater than myself.

Eventually, I found myself on the frontlines in a different way—working as a police officer in Oakland, California. It wasn't just about enforcing the law; it was about making a difference in my community. I hosted public safety shows like 'Bay Area Crime Watch' and 'OPD on TV' because I believed in connecting with people, educating, and empowering them. Those experiences lit a spark that would guide me to my next chapter—journalism.

In 1994, I made a leap of faith into TV news, starting as a reporter and weekend anchor in Roanoke, Virginia. Since then, I've reported and anchored from California to Georgia, covering stories that matter—from local crime to community triumphs. Now, I'm honored to share your stories every evening as the anchor of 11Alive's newscasts in Atlanta. It's not just a job; it's a calling to shine a light where it's needed and inspire others through the power of storytelling.

But there's more to my journey than just headlines. I love teaching storytelling, especially showing nonprofits how to use just their smartphone to create impactful, motivational stories. I believe that everyone has a voice and a story worth telling. And speaking of stories, I've shared mine in my book, "Stop Disqualifying Yourself: It's Not Over Until God Says It's Over." It's a message that's close to my heart—a reminder that no matter where you've been or what you've faced, your best chapters are still being written.

When I'm not in front of the camera or teaching, you can find me at home with my high school sweetheart, who I've been head over heels for nearly fifty years. We have four wonderful children and seven amazing grandchildren.

Life has taught me to never disqualify myself, and my hope is to inspire you to do the same. We all have a purpose, a reason we're here, and I'm here to tell you that your story matters. Let’s keep telling it—together.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RON