The man whose greatness has gifted the World’s largest Service club Movement was named Melvin Jones. Selfless Service and sacrifice, devotion and dedication towards the down trodden and less fortunates made him the pioneer. The gifts of fellowship and service beyond self has knit the people of the whole world into the brotherhood of Lionism.

Melvin Jones was born at Fort Thomas, Arizona on 13th January 1879 to an Army Captain John Calvin who commanded a troupe of Scouts, and his wife Lydia M. Gibbler. After early schooling was in Missourie Public College, Quency. At the age of 21 he entered the profession of insurance with M/s Johnson & Higgins, Insurance Brokers, Chicago.

In the year 1909, Melvin married Rose Amanda, one of the country’s foremost Golfers and President of Women’s Golf Association.

In the year 1913, Melvin founded Melvin Jones Insurance Agency. His active involvement made him the Secretary of Business Circle of Chicago in the year 1914. Chicago had Luncheon Clubs where in Professionals, merchants and bankers met with purpose of ‘Promotion of Business’. Melvin Jones, the 35 year old insurance man was very friendly with everybody and drew others' attention and support. He suggested to bring together such organizations, not merely to promote business but for a greater cause – Service towards mankind, a scope beyond the limits of the organization.

On June 7, 1917, Melvin Jones gathered delegates from many clubs at Hotel La Salle in Chicago, and formed “Association of Lions Clubs”. Subsequently, 36 delegates of 22 clubs from 9 states met in Dallas and named the organization “Lions Clubs”. Dr. William P. Woods of Evansville, Indiana was the first President while Melvin Jones was the Acting Secretary. The association gradually became Lions Clubs International in the year 1920 with the formation of Lions Club in Canada.

It may be marked that Melvin Jones never became the President and was the Secretary General and as a tribute to his unique service the Post Secretary General was abolished after his death.

To devote his full efforts to Lionism in its Head Quarters at Chicago, Melvin Jones abandoned his Insurance agency in early 1920. He dedicated his life to create a creed which justified the modern materialistic life in proper blending with the man’s eternal yearning for a spiritual life. Year after year Lionism spread its wings to reach all edges of the globe to serve humanity.

The eventful chronology follows.

For the service to the needy, Lions made their Organization one of the World’s Largest Service Oriented Organization

Melvin Jones was awarded the national Merit of Carlos Manuei Das Enterprises Cespedes in 1939 by the Cuban Government, the highest civilian award. Further, various countries honoured him with numerous Awards and citations.

In 1945, Melvin Jones represented Lions International as a Consultant in San Francisco at the Organization of United Nations. At the age of 71, in 1950, Founder Melvin Jones was relieved off the duty at his request.

At the age of 82, on 1st June 1961 Melvin Jones left his glorious footsteps for the World of Lions tread upon for the great mission “We Serve”. His soul rests in peace at mount Hope Cemetery. The torch he has sparked glows bright with the noble deeds of Lions world-wide.

Every year in January Melvin Jones is Honoured on his birthday, 13th of the month, as Founders and Rededication month; the time to reflect the proud heritage dedicated to service to mankind.

All the Lions Clubs throughout the World celebrate 13th January every year as Founder’s Day and recommit themselves to the Cause of Lionism by taking the Rededication Pledge.

Year 1973 an one time donation of US $ 1000 was initiated as Melvin Jones fellowship. The MJF is a recognition of commitment to humanitarian work; it is the most prestigious form of recognition named after the founder. William G. Clayton of Fort Landerdale, Florida, USA and Dr. Luciano Nunziante of train Bari, were the first two MJF’s. The fellowship has received World Wide acceptance and support among Lions and Non-Lions.