Terry Jones

Jones said he relies often on his military experiences in leading the city. He said he has tried to shift the city employees' promotion system away from a longevity-based system to one more dependant on performance.

Jones, 53, has a busy schedule. In addition to serving as Millington's full-time mayor and as an officer in the Tennessee State Guard, he is the father of six children ranging in ages 29 to 19 months and has two grandchildren.

"My wife remarked to me once that it was tough being a single parent," Jones said. "I have had to allow time for the family as well.