Kemtong Jones
Kemtong “Kem” Jones (née Pinching), 81, of Rome, New York, passed away on October 8th, 2025, at Colonial Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Kemtong was born on October 6th, 1944, in Bangkok, Thailand, to Klueng and Tongpell Pinching. Kemtong was the eldest of nine siblings. In 1966, she married Clarence L. Jones (1943-2025) from Shamokin, Pennsylvania, while he was stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. That same year they moved to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. In 1974, Kemtong, Clarence, and their daughters, Meg and PJ, moved to Griffiss Air Force Base, New York. Kemtong quickly learned English and navigated the cultural differences between Thailand and the United States. She became a proud American citizen in 1982.
Kemtong enjoyed dancing, fiber arts, jewelry making, collaging, solving puzzles, and watching game shows – Family Feud and Press Your Luck were her favorites. Kemtong loved sand, seashells, and the water. She found joy in fishing and foraging in central New York’s vast nature, finding favorites like crayfish and fiddleheads. She would create spectacular dishes and share her knowledge with her daughters and friends. Kemtong’s family remembers her love of cooking delicious meals (fried rice!), very spicy foods, horror movies, and her passion for 80s music. Her favorite songs were “Karma Charmelon” by Culture Club and “Broken Wings” by Mister Mister. Her faith in God and devotion to Buddha were reflected in her life and crafts.
People who knew Kemtong might most remember her beautiful smile, her spunky spitfire self, her generosity, and her exceptional work ethic. They probably also got to enjoy some of the amazing dishes she made and shared, like her egg rolls (the best in the world, according to her grandchildren) and her fried rice.Kemtong was proud of her Thai heritage and participated in many Thai culture groups she found at Griffiss Air Force Base. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, and hanging out with all herfriends. She relished the opportunity to share Thai history, philosophy, and culture with any who would listen.
Kemtong is survived by her devoted and loving daughters, Meg (Dan) and PJ (Ray); her grandchildren, who absolutely adored their Yai, Cody Mitchell (Mary), Jacob (Erica), Jordan (Harley), Olivia, Gwendolyn, and Gabriella; and her great-grandchildren, Elijah, Penelope, Maggie, and Coraline. Fond memories from her grandchildren include making egg rolls, spending nights watching kung fu movies and “buying an island,” cooking egg foo young and sticky rice, fishing, making beaded bracelets, and the Thai phrases she would often say.
Kemtong was predeceased by her parents, her loving mother-in-law Marg “mom” Jones, her sweet firstborn infant daughter Julie, her best friend Tawn Davidson, and her former husband, Clarence.
Kemtong’s family would like to thank the staff at Colonial Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for providing compassionate and professional care. We also would like to recognize some of her favorite staff members: Jennifer, Melissa, Danielle, Crystal, and Hiram (HiHi). She appreciated all your love, care, and patience. Kemtong will forever be your brat.
There are no words to describe the love she held in her heart for her daughters and grandchildren. Kemtong was very much loved and will be missed.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.
You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.