Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-08

HONORING ELAINE CRUZ JONES

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Context

On 2026-06-08, Representative James C. Moylan (R-GU) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ELAINE CRUZ JONES" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING ELAINE CRUZ JONES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E544] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ELAINE CRUZ JONES ______ HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN of guam in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and mourn the passing of a truly remarkable woman from Guam, Mrs. Elaine Cruz Jones, who passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. For generations of Guam families, Elaine Jones was more than a respected businesswoman or community leader. She was ``Auntie Laine.'' A steady presence. A woman of grace, faith, generosity, and quiet strength whose life reflected the resilience and spirit of our island people. Elaine was born into Cruz family as one of eleven children of Augusto Pangelinan and Dolores Sablan Cruz. She grew up during one of the darkest chapters in Guam's history and survived the Japanese Occupation of Guam during World War II. That experience shaped her generation in profound ways. The people who endured occupation, hardship, fear, and uncertainty carried with them a deep understanding of sacrifice, perseverance, and gratitude. They became the builders of modern Guam. And Elaine Jones was part of that extraordinary generation. Following the war, Guam entered a period of rebuilding and transformation. Alongside her beloved husband, Kenneth T. Jones, Jr., Elaine helped support what would become one of Guam's most important and influential local businesses, J & G Enterprises. Together with Ken and his business partner, Segundo Leon Guerrero, they helped lay foundations for economic opportunity and local entrepreneurship at a time when Guam was still finding its footing after the devastation of war. But while many people may recognize the Jones family name because of business success, those who truly knew Auntie Laine understood that her legacy extended far beyond business. She was, first and foremost, devoted to her family. She was a loving wife to Ken and a proud mother to her five daughters--Donna, Ramona, Veronica, Linda, and Vivian--all of whom carry forward the values she instilled: faith, humility, compassion, and service to others. Anyone who spent time around Auntie Laine knew how deeply she loved her family and how proud she was of them. She led not through loud words, but through example. Through kindness. Through consistency. Through faith. And even after the passing of her husband, she continued to lead with dignity and strength, stepping forward as President of J & G Enterprises and continuing the family's commitment to giving back to Guam. Her life was deeply rooted in service to the community. Whether through philanthropy, civic involvement, support for local causes, or simply helping those in need quietly and without recognition, Auntie Laine represented a generation that believed success meant lifting others up along the way. She also remained unwavering in her devotion to her Catholic faith. Faith was not simply something she practiced on Sundays. It guided how she treated people, how she carried herself, and how she lived her life every single day. And that is perhaps what so many people will remember most about her--her warmth. Her humility. Her generosity. Her ability to make others feel welcomed and valued. On an island like Guam, where family and community are deeply connected, people like Elaine Jones leave an imprint that reaches far beyond their own relatives. They become woven into the story of the island itself. Her passing is not only a loss for her family, but for our entire community. Today, I extend my deepest condolences to her daughters, grandchildren, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we reflect on her life, may we also reflect on the example she leaves behind: a life grounded in faith, resilience, service, and love for others. May Auntie Laine's memory continue to inspire future generations of Guam families to lead with compassion, generosity, and strength. And may we all take comfort in knowing that her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched throughout her 87 years. ____________________

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HONORING ELAINE CRUZ JONES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E544] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ELAINE CRUZ JONES ______ HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN of guam in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and mourn the passing of a truly remarkable woman from Guam, Mrs. Elaine Cruz Jones, who passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. For generations of Guam families, Elaine Jones was more than a respected businesswoman or community leader. She was ``Auntie Laine.'' A steady presence. A woman of grace, faith, generosity, and quiet strength whose life reflected the resilience and spirit of our island people. Elaine was born into Cruz family as one of eleven children of Augusto Pangelinan and Dolores Sablan Cruz. She grew up during one of the darkest chapters in Guam's history and survived the Japanese Occupation of Guam during World War II. That experience shaped her generation in profound ways. The people who endured occupation, hardship, fear, and uncertainty carried with them a deep understanding of sacrifice, perseverance, and gratitude. They became the builders of modern Guam. And Elaine Jones was part of that extraordinary generation. Following the war, Guam entered a period of rebuilding and transformation. Alongside her beloved husband, Kenneth T. Jones, Jr., Elaine helped support what would become one of Guam's most important and influential local businesses, J & G Enterprises. Together with Ken and his business partner, Segundo Leon Guerrero, they helped lay foundations for economic opportunity and local entrepreneurship at a time when Guam was still finding its footing after the devastation of war. But while many people may recognize the Jones family name because of business success, those who truly knew Auntie Laine understood that her legacy extended far beyond business. She was, first and foremost, devoted to her family. She was a loving wife to Ken and a proud mother to her five daughters--Donna, Ramona, Veronica, Linda, and Vivian--all of whom carry forward the values she instilled: faith, humility, compassion, and service to others. Anyone who spent time around Auntie Laine knew how deeply she loved her family and how proud she was of them. She led not through loud words, but through example. Through kindness. Through consistency. Through faith. And even after the passing of her husband, she continued to lead with dignity and strength, stepping forward as President of J & G Enterprises and continuing the family's commitment to giving back to Guam. Her life was deeply rooted in service to the community. Whether through philanthropy, civic involvement, support for local causes, or simply helping those in need quietly and without recognition, Auntie Laine represented a generation that believed success meant lifting others up along the way. She also remained unwavering in her devotion to her Catholic faith. Faith was not simply something she practiced on Sundays. It guided how she treated people, how she carried herself, and how she lived her life every single day. And that is perhaps what so many people will remember most about her--her warmth. Her humility. Her generosity. Her ability to make others feel welcomed and valued. On an island like Guam, where family and community are deeply connected, people like Elaine Jones leave an imprint that reaches far beyond their own relatives. They become woven into the story of the island itself. Her passing is not only a loss for her family, but for our entire community. Today, I extend my deepest condolences to her daughters, grandchildren, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we reflect on her life, may we also reflect on the example she leaves behind: a life grounded in faith, resilience, service, and love for others. May Auntie Laine's memory continue to inspire future generations of Guam families to lead with compassion, generosity, and strength. And may we all take comfort in knowing that her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched throughout her 87 years. ____________________