In the dark history of the Peoples Temple cult, one name stands out: Lew Eric Jones. As the adopted son of the notorious cult leader Jim Jones, Lew’s life was marked by tragedy from a young age. In this article, we’ll explore who Lew Eric Jones was, his family background, and his untimely death in the Jonestown Massacre.
Who Was Lew Eric Jones?
Lew Eric Jones was born on November 23, 1956 in South Korea. At just 2 years old, he was adopted by Jim Jones and his wife Marceline in 1958. As part of the founding members of the Peoples Temple in Indianapolis, Lew grew up immersed in the cult from a very young age. He later moved with the group to the infamous Jonestown settlement in Guyana.
Sadly, Lew’s life was cut short at the young age of 21. On November 18, 1978, he died during the horrific mass murder-suicide in Jonestown ordered by his father Jim Jones. Over 900 Temple members, including Lew, his wife, and young son, lost their lives that fateful day after being forced to drink cyanide-laced punch.
After the tragedy, Lew Eric Jones was laid to rest at Earlham Cemetery in Richmond, Indiana, far from the place he died. His short life serves as a somber reminder of the destruction wrought by the Peoples Temple.
Family Background and Adoption
Lew Eric Jones was adopted as an infant by Jim Jones and his wife Marceline Jones in 1958. Jim Jones, the infamous leader of the Peoples Temple cult, and his wife had one biological son together, Stephan Gandhi Jones.
After adopting Lew from South Korea, Jim and Marceline went on to adopt several other children of different ethnicities in the following years. This multiracial “Rainbow Family” was used to promote the Temple’s image of diversity, equality and progressive values.
However, ex-members later revealed that the Jones’ adoptions were more about bolstering Jim Jones’ savior complex than genuine care for the children. Lew and his adopted siblings suffered abuse, neglect and harsh punishments growing up in the Temple.
Ultimately, most of the Jones family, including Lew, died in the 1978 Jonestown Massacre, victims of the cult’s fatal ideology. Only Jim and Marceline’s biological son Stephan and two adopted sons survived, forever scarred by the trauma they endured.
The story of Lew Eric Jones is a heartbreaking chapter in the dark saga of the Peoples Temple. Born into a cult family, subjected to a childhood of abuse, and dying senselessly at 21, his life was shaped by forces beyond his control. His tragic tale is one of far too many cut short by Jim Jones’ fatal madness.
Parents: Jim Jones and Marceline Jones
On November 23, 1956, Lew Eric Jones was born in South Korea. Just two years later, in 1958, he was adopted by Jim Jones and Marceline Jones, the leaders of the Peoples Temple. This couple was recognized for their progressive views on race and social issues, and adopting a non-white child like Lew was considered groundbreaking at the time.
Throughout his life, Lew lived in various locations with his family, including Indianapolis, Indiana, and Redwood Valley, California. Being raised in the context of the Peoples Temple exposed him to a unique upbringing that would eventually lead to tragedy.
Siblings: Jim W. Jones Jr.
Lew had a sibling, Jim W. Jones Jr., who was also adopted by Jim and Marceline. Growing up together, the two brothers shared a close bond. Their lives, like Lew’s, were profoundly influenced by their parents and the Peoples Temple.
Life in Jonestown
In March 1977, at the age of 20, Lew relocated with many Peoples Temple members to the isolated Jonestown settlement in Guyana. Jonestown was meant to be a socialist utopia but was tightly controlled by Jim Jones.
A month after arriving in Jonestown, Lew became a father with the birth of his son in April 1977. Despite this joyous event, life under Jim Jones’ rule was increasingly difficult.
The Jonestown Tragedy
On November 18, 1978, the unthinkable happened. Jim Jones ordered all Jonestown residents, including Lew, to commit what he called “revolutionary suicide” by drinking cyanide-poisoned punch.
Over 900 people died that day in Jonestown, including 21-year-old Lew Eric Jones. He left behind his young son, who survived the massacre since he was away in Georgetown with other Peoples Temple children.
Legacy and Impact
The devastating events of Jonestown in 1978, in which more than 900 people lost their lives in a mass murder-suicide, created a lasting impact on the world. Unfortunately, Lew Eric Jones was among those who perished on that fateful day, leaving behind a young son.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Lew’s story underscores the dangers of blind obedience and the significance of questioning authority. His life and untimely death have left an indelible mark on history, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.
Remembering Lew Eric Jones
In spite of the grim circumstances surrounding his death, it is crucial to remember Lew for the individual he was. A loving brother, husband, and father, Lew’s life transcended the events of Jonestown. His story stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of those who confront adversity.
Later Years and Passing
In March 1977, Lew relocated to Jonestown, Guyana, along with his family and the Peoples Temple. It was there, on November 18, 1978, that Lew tragically lost his life at just 21 years old during the “revolutionary suicide” orchestrated by his father, Jim Jones. Lew was laid to rest at Earlham Cemetery in Richmond, Indiana.
Conclusion
The life of Lew Eric Jones was profoundly shaped by the turbulent events surrounding the Peoples Temple. While his story is a tragic one, it serves as an influential reminder of the necessity to question authority and pursue truth. May we remember Lew not merely for the events of Jonestown, but for the individual he was and the lasting impact his story continues to make on the world.
