He soon joined the business circle, a businessmen's luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interest of their members. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Melvin Jones, however, had other plans. "What if these men," he asked, "Who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born, It was stipulated that clubs were not be social in nature nor were members permitted to promote their own business interests.

Jones eventually abandoned insurance agency to devote full time to Lionism at international Headquarters in Chicago. It was under this dynamic leadership that Lions Clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civil-minded men.

Lionism's founder was also recognized as a leader outside the association. One of his greatest honours was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant in San Francisco, California at the organization of the United Nations.

Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code,"You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else", became a guiding principle for public-Spirited people the world over, died on June 1, 1961, at 82 years of age.

He is no more with us but he is and will never be with millions and millions of committed lions who live fully to their own proclamation WE SERVE.

His life was a benediction. His vision is an inspiration.