Pantex Proud: Jeramy Jones
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Jeramy Jones work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
Usually babysitting a younger sibling results in a “thank you” or if you’re lucky a few dollars and some take-out pizza. But for Jeramy Jones, watching his younger stepsister as a teen led to him being an at-home winner on The Bozo Show’s Grand Prize Game.
“At the time, I was babysitting and Bozo’s was one of the shows my sister would watch and it kept her entertained,” Jones said. “There was an advertisement for an at-home player, so I entered the drawing just to have her enter too. The at-home player won a duplicate of every prize won by the live in-studio player. I didn’t even know I was selected, but the next thing I know there are boxes of prizes showing up at our door.”
Jones won several prizes and toys, but his favorite was a year’s supply of Big League Chew bubblegum. Several years later, the bubble never popped, and Jones continued his winning streak by being hired on at Pantex in 2001. As the Waste Compliance section manager, he serves Pantex by leading the team that ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. While the Big League Chew may have lost its flavor long ago, Jones never lost his passion for the job.
“I have worked at Pantex for over 24 years. My team and I contribute to the mission success by reviewing, characterizing, and documenting all waste-generating processes so that Pantex remains compliant with all regulations,” Jones said. “It brings me joy to think that I work at a place that truly makes a difference in the world. I am proud to be a Pantexan, because I know that the work we all do contributes to nuclear deterrence.”
What do you think makes Pantex so special?
There is no other place that can do what we do the way we do it!
Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Being able to learn from others is so important at Pantex because we are so specialized. Knowledge and work practices being shared and passed down from current and past employees are many times vital to complete job tasks.
What does operational excellence mean to you?
To me, operational excellence can be simply stated as, ‘everything that you do, do it with excellence.’
Why is teamwork important?
Teamwork is very important in our group. The adage, ‘no man is an island’ rings true with us and is necessary to aid in the continuous learning process. Everyone brings something special to the table.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Be patient and don’t be too quick with trying to change the world. Be a sponge and soak up as much as you can about the processes out here so that when your time comes, you’re ready to add something special.
Why is giving back to the community important?
Our communities are special to all of us. It is where we call home. Giving back helps those that aren’t as fortunate within our community. I consider it a pleasure.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
My activities outside of work involve chasing my grandson around. When I’m not doing that, I am either spending time with my family or on the golf course.