US Marine who died from cancer has mortgage paid in full

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The mortgage of a U.S. Marine who died after a battle with cancer was paid in full by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The foundation's news release said they were honored to help the family of United States Marine Corps Sergeant Jeffrey Norman Jones, a Harlingen native.

_{Photo courtesy: Tunnel to Towers Foundation}

Jones passed away on December 13, 2022, from a rare form of cancer linked to his military service.

“This house is so special to us because it was always Jeff's dream to buy a big house with space for all six kids," said Jones's widow Miranda. "He worked so hard to get it and even harder to fix it up. To see that house fully paid off would have been a dream come true for Jeff. It is such a wonderful way to honor him. It is so good to know that my husband and his service to our country have not been forgotten. When Jeff was sick his biggest worry was how we would go on without him. With this amazing blessing, it feels like he is still providing for us, even though he is no longer here.”

Jones enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 2003. In June of 2022, he was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer linked to burn pit exposure during his tour in Iraq. He succumbed to the disease later that year, according to the release.

“Tunnel to Towers is honored to support the Jones Family and ensure they can keep the dream home they shared. We honor his legacy this Memorial Day and hope that this home will forever be a place for his family to heal,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman & CEO Frank Siller. 

The Tunnel to Towers Gold Star Family Home Program honors the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by paying off the mortgage or providing the surviving spouses and young children with mortgage-free homes.