John and Paula Jones

A Legacy of Generosity:
The Story of John Edward and Paula Uhl Jones

John Edward Jones was born in Greenville, Indiana—a town where he first discovered a love for automobiles, small-town values, and the meaning of hard work. Just across the street lived Paula Uhl, the only girl in a lively household with six brothers—some of whom John became fast friends with. Childhood neighbors turned lifelong partners, John and Paula married in 1979 and have spent over four decades building a life centered on faith, family, and community.

In 1983, at just 27 years old, John purchased a small car dealership in Salem, Indiana. What began as a leap of faith became a landmark business: John Jones Auto Group. With Paula by his side, John built the business from a single location to a network of dealerships across Southern Indiana, employing over 300 people and serving thousands of customers each year.

But to truly understand John and Paula’s legacy, you have to look beyond the showroom.

The Jones family’s decision to give back to Washington County stems from a deep-rooted belief that strong communities are built through service, stewardship, and opportunity. As the business grew, so did their investment in the people and places around them—from sponsoring local youth sports teams and supporting public safety initiatives to contributing to schools, hospitals, and community events.

John is a quiet giver. He doesn't seek recognition for his generosity and prefers to lend a hand where it’s needed—without fanfare. Whether it's supporting a local project, helping an employee through a tough time, or making an anonymous donation, John leads with humility and purpose. His care for the people around him—especially his team—is part of what has shaped the culture of John Jones Auto Group. He believes that taking care of your people is the foundation of any lasting success.

He’s also most at peace outdoors, often on a tractor, improving the land he loves, finding fulfillment in shaping and stewarding the fields and woods of Washington County. His pride in the area is not just in the storefronts bearing his name but in the soil, the skyline, and the neighbors who make it home.

Paula is outgoing, approachable, and rarely meets a stranger. Whether she's walking through Salem in the early morning or chatting with friends at a local bakery, she has a natural way of connecting with the community. She’s remained active in local organizations over the years, and her everyday presence reflects the Jones family's ongoing commitment to staying involved in the life of Washington County.  Together, John and Paula have three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  Their legacy is visible not only in their business but in the values they’ve passed down through generations.

When asked why they chose to give back through the Washington County Community Foundation, John and Paula said it simply: “This is our home. We’ve been blessed, and it’s our responsibility to make sure this community thrives—not just for us, but for the generations that follow.”

For John and Paula Jones, giving isn’t about recognition—it’s about roots. It’s about remembering where you came from, investing in what you believe in, and ensuring that Washington County continues to be a place where families grow, businesses succeed, and neighbors take care of one another.