"I'm Not Afraid Of THAT Sound!" is the first book in our new Collector's Series called "AJ's Character Books for Kids".Tracy A. Jones is a wife, mother, and public education teacher. She and her husband Bob had one son, Anthony David "AJ" Jones. She has been a public school teacher for 30 years at her Alma Mater, Warren Local School District in Washington County, Ohio.Tracy has been telling "AJ Stories" since she became his mother in 2000. Her son inspired her first book I'm Not Afraid of THAT Sound!, as they experienced an intense thunderstorm together. She wrote down what actually occurred that evening and read it to AJ many times over the years. AJ loved hearing his words read back to him and always wanted to have his stories published. Tracy was not able to make AJ's "author dream" come true in a timely manner. Sadly, AJ passed away only two weeks after graduating from high school.
- AJ graduated from Warren High School and the Washington County Career Center Electricity Program in May of 2019. In April of 2019, he committed to join the United States Marine Corps.- AJ obtained his love of and passion for baseball from his Grandfather, Anthony "Tony" Azar. His grandfather started teaching AJ to play ball as soon as he could walk. AJ played baseball at every age level and every season available.- He started horseback riding lessons at 3 years old and competed in shows for 3 years. He was in Boy Scouts for 6 yrs. - He had a brief wrestling career, as well as training in karate. He played football and baseball for Warren Local School District. He was in choir, advanced art, and band. AJ persevered in so many activities with the help of his coaches, teachers, and family.- AJ has attended the Reds Legends Baseball Camp since 2008, learning from Eddie Milner. Eddie taught AJ humility and honor on the field. So many other talented Reds Legends have contributed to the person of character that AJ became.- For 6 years, AJ volunteered for the Darrell and Michael Waltrip Brothers' Charity Championship in Franklin, Tenn. He was fortunate to meet multiple celebrities each year. NASCAR drivers, singers, actors, and sports heroes took the time to meet AJ, share laughter, and pose for pictures. Each of them became role-models representing generosity and compassion.- Following in his father's (Bob) and brother's (Daryl) footsteps, AJ loved to hunt. He hunted turkey in North Carolina and also frequented the Caldwell, Ohio hunting grounds for deer. Daryl helped AJ to learn shooting skills with pistols as well as rifles and other firearms. One of AJ's favorite hobbies was playing paintball. He developed respect for handling firearms through purposeful and certified training. -. Anthony David "AJ" Jones was the son of Robert and Tracy Jones; brother of Daryl (Elisabeth) Jones; uncle to Ethan and Lucas Jones; Grandson of Tony and Sue Azar of Little Hocking, Ohio and Wilbur and Icie Jones of Marietta, Ohio. He has many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who supported, encouraged, and helped him become a fine young man of character.
Nancy is an Honors Graduate of The University of Florida with a Degree in Advertising, and Graphic Design . She started her career as an Art Director/ Illustrator at Vladimir and Evans Advertising Inc. in Coral Gables, Florida. As an Award-winning designer she joined forces in Miami with Aurelio and Friends Advertising as Vice President and has since garnered numerous Awards for Advertising, Illustration and Creative Excellence. Nancy is currently half of the powerhouse Creative Team at AURELIO and FRIENDS ADVERTISING. They continually create award-winning Advertising and Graphics Design for high-end retailers and upscale hotels, resorts around the country. Now, with almost 250 Awards for Excellence from around the world, they add a fresh perspective to creating exciting Children's Books. Nancy, long recognized for her portraits, is more recently known for her other illustrated children's books, "Dr.Doodle's Doughnuts", "What Luck" and "The Secret in The Clouds".
