Social Security exec set to retire

"I've gone from a young guy to an old guy," jokes Jones, 57, who with nearly 26 years' service accepted an early retirement offer with full pension benefits.

His decision didn't come easily, Jones, who plans to do public speaking and other consulting, said.

"I've enjoyed educating the public about Social Security, and helping thousands of people file claims for retirement, disability, survivor and Medicare benefits," he said.

Jones has hundreds of stories, from colorful beneficiaries he's interviewed to the day he survived the Oklahoma City bombing.

From his offices in Shepherd Mall, he recently sat down with The Oklahoman to share some of them. The following is an edited transcript:

Q: Can you tell us about your childhood, college and early career?

A: When I was 4 or 5, my family moved from McAlester to Bethany so my father could attend Southern Nazarene University on the G.I. bill. He went on to work in procurement for the Federal Aviation Administration and my mother was a homemaker to me and my sister, who's six years younger. We attended Bethany Schools, where I played basketball and baseball.

When it was time for me to go to SNU, I majored in speech and education, with plans to be a sportscaster. After graduation, I covered high school sports for radio stations in El Reno, Elk City and Ardmore. I worked fulltime in the field for nine years and another nine part-time.