Charles Edward Jones

Charles Edward Jones, lovingly known as “Charles,” passed away on October 10, 2023, in Gardena, California. Charles was a longtime resident of San Pedro, where he cherished spending time with his beautiful wife, of 42 years, Margie.

Charles was born on April 24, 1941, in Texas and is the son of Bennie and Harmon Jones. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended Jefferson High School, where he met his good friends and future band mates - Oliver Williams, Jack White, and Jimmy Conwell. They formed a band known as “the Viceroys” which would later become known as the vocal group “Smoked Sugar.”
Under the group known as “the Viceroys,” they released the recording “Uncle Sam Needs You and Dreamy Eyes” (c. 1967) with Charles on lead vocals. The group Smoked Sugar later released “Lonely Room” (c. 1975), featuring Charles as lead vocalist. They would go on to record six additional songs for release.

Under the name of “Smoked Sugar,” they traveled and performed throughout Southern California, Las Vegas, and Alaska. They became synonymous with local “soul/funk” and were highlighted at the Pied Piper in Los Angles. On weekends you could hear them play with Charles on drums, headlining the show with his rendition of music by Rhythm and Blues artist Bobby Womack ©. His unique voice moved you to get up out of your seat!

He enjoyed a brief career with the State of California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County, and he attended Warren Chapel C.M.E. church, where both he and Margie actively participated, with Charles playing drums and singing in the choir.

After retiring from music, he dedicated a portion of his time to his favorite pastime, which included watching sports. He was an unwavering fan of the San Francisco 49ers and took pleasure in singing and creating memories with his family.

Charles was blessed to receive a combined Heart-Kidney Transplant Recipient at Cedars Sinai Hospital, which gave him a renewed ability to enjoy life. He had a remarkable ability to overcome any obstacle and achieve his objectives. It was mesmerizing to observe his unwavering resolve to push through many health hurdles to come through with renewed determination and a smile. His sheer determination, competitive nature, and resilience attributed to his success and his kindness resonated throughout his life It proved that Charles would always find a way to persevere.

He was forever grateful to his #1 Advocate, his wife, Margie, for her unwavering resolve and commitment to his health challenges and the many health care providers who humbly provided continued care for him for over 20 years.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Margie Bursey Jones, Sisters SheRee Gates (James); and Bennie R. Jones; nieces Deborah Green (Ron;) Shalawn Garcia; great nieces Jaleiha Joseph, Maleiha Smith; great nephews James D. Joseph, Michael Moore and a host of close relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Harmon and Bennie Jones, his brother Lavernia “Lee “Jones, sister Darlene Jones, and niece Shadonna Garcia.