Johnny J. Jones (June 8, 1874 – December 25, 1930), “The Mighty Monarch of the Tented World” and “The Midway King,” founded the largest collective amusement organization in the United States for 50 years proceeding The Great Depression of 1929. As a railroad show, Jones’ enterprise boasted 50 steel cars carrying 100 wagons. Jones virtually defined the carnival, carrying dozens of shows, concessions and amusement rides each season. Jones’ alcoholism was well-known in the show world, and the financial disaster facing him when the season ended in 1930 essentially sent him to his grave at age 57. Jones’ wife Hody Hurd Jones managed the JJJ Exposition for another twenty years until their son Johnny J. Jones, Jr. took over after World War II. The show closed for good in 1951 when Jones Jr. was forced to sell off all the equipment for back taxes.