Kevin M. Jones, St. Louis American COO, passes

Feb 1, 2024

Kevin M. Jones, a 31-year employee of the St. Louis American and for many years its chief operating officer, has passed away. He was 57. An honors graduate of St. Louis University High School, Jones also graduated with honors from the University of Missouri — Columbia School of Journalism.

While attending the University of Missouri, Jones worked for three newspapers at the same time: the Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia Missourian and The Maneater.

Following his work as an advertising manager with the Suburban Journals, Jones joined The St. Louis American staff. During his tenure, he helped create many innovative initiatives to better serve the newspaper’s readers and advertisers.

Jones was an active member of the Missouri Press Association throughout his professional career and served as its president from 2010-11. He held several of its executive offices, was an MPA board member and chaired the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Jones was a past president of the Missouri Advertising Managers’ Association and received that group’s Old Pro Award. He was a member of the Advertising Club of St. Louis, the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis and served as a St. Louis Sports Commission board member.

In 2007, Jones was named “National Advertising Director of the Year” by Suburban Newspapers of America, which represented all weekly newspapers in North America. Jones was also named North American Runner Up for Newspaper Operations All-Star by Editor & Publisher.

St. Louis American Publisher and Executive Editor Donald M. Suggs said, “Kevin’s sudden passing has left all The St. Louis American team stunned and deeply saddened.”

Suggs continued, “It must be said that his initiatives and hard work were essential to The American’s progress and successes over many years. He will be deeply missed as a colleague and friend and for his steadfastness and dedication to The American and its mission.”

Our deepest sympathies lie with his beloved family: his wife, Tina, his two children, Nick and Amanda, and grandchildren.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: Kutis Funeral Home Inc., 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, MO 63129

Visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 7, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Service was held Monday, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m.