Herbert E. Jones, Jr. was born in the mining town of Amherstdale, West Virginia.  He was educated in local schools and later moved to Charleston.  Herb graduated from Princeton in 1943 with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering.  In recognition of his leadership, the West Virginia Graduate College awarded him the honorary degree of “Doctor of Laws” in 1983.

In WWII he served on the U.S.S. TUNNY Submarine 282.  Herb was awarded a Letter of Commendation and a Navy Silver Star. 

Herb’s entire business career has been with Amherst Coal Company and Amherst Industries.  He began as an industrial engineer, served as a foreman, assistant superintendent, superintendent, vice president, executive vice president, president and in 1977 became chairman of Amherst Coal Company.  Herb also served on three coal missions abroad and as a delegate to two international coal research conferences. 

Herb has served on the Logan Coal Operators’ Association, Executive Committee of the National Coal Association, WV Coal Association, WV Air Pollution Control Commission, the Pittsburgh and WV Railroad, and the Commission for the WV War Memorial. 

Herb has been affiliated with the Marshall University Graduate College since it began in 1972 and served, without pay, as acting president for one year.

Herb and his wife Gloria recently celebrated their 57^th wedding anniversary.  They have four children and seven grandchildren.