The Georgia Department of Corrections and communities across Northwest Georgia are mourning the unexpected death of Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 39.

Jones had served as warden of Hays State Prison in Chattooga County since July 2023. He was appointed to the position after Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver reassigned then-Warden Shawn Emmons to serve as warden at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.

Jones began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2007 as a Correctional Officer at Walker State Prison. During his nearly two decades of service, he advanced through the ranks as Sergeant, Tier II Lieutenant, Tier II Unit Manager, Deputy Warden of Security, and ultimately Warden of Hays State Prison.

Family members said Jones approached his career in corrections with a deep sense of responsibility, placing great importance on protecting the staff who served alongside him, the surrounding community, and the individuals entrusted to his care. They described him as a leader who served with integrity, conviction, and a desire to leave every assignment better than he found it.

Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Jones built lasting relationships with coworkers, friends, and those he mentored. Outside of his professional life, he enjoyed fishing, traveling, great food, bourbon, poker, and cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers. One of his greatest passions was coaching youth football, where he invested countless hours helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork, and character while spending time with his own children.

Above all else, family members said Jones was devoted to his wife, Haley, and their children, Jack, Ava, and Piper. They said he worked to instill values of hard work, integrity, respect, responsibility, and perseverance in his children, considering that one of his life’s greatest responsibilities.

Jones is survived by his wife, Haley; children Jack, Ava, and Piper; his mother, Josie Nichols (William Layfield); his father, Jeff (Rhonda) Langley; grandparents Janet Goins, Virginia Langley, and Ron and Glenda Turner; his sister Jessica (Emily) Cartwright; siblings Ethan and Jessica Tripp; and numerous extended family members, friends, and colleagues throughout the Georgia Department of Corrections.

He was preceded in death by grandparents John Jones, Jr. Langley, and great-grandparents William and Josephine Jones and Lelion and Frances Lizana.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.