James Warren Jones, most commonly known as Jim Jones, was an American cult leader who led almost one thousand people to their death through poisoning. The devastating event is known as the Jonestown Massacre, and Jim Jones was the leader of it all. On November 18, 1978, nine-hundred people were killed from poisoned Kool-Aid in Guyana, South America. Jim Jones created a region called the Jonestown Settlement in Guyana which is where the tragic deaths occurred. (“Jim Jones Biography” 1; “Jim Jones” 1; “Jonestown” 1) Jim Jones was born on May 31, 1931 in Indiana, and he was the son of James Jones, a World War I veteran, and Lynetta Jones. As a child, Jones kept to himself quite a lot due to his mother working multiple jobs, and his father not …show more content…
Many people saw him helping the community by supporting poor, elderly, and diverse citizens. His actions caused him to be seen as a role model, and helpful figure to those in need. Once the congregation was in San Francisco, Jim Jones would donate money to several organizations. These actions would make him look exceptional to public officials and the media. Jim Jones even offered programs to the needy through the Peoples Temple, such as rehabilitation, aid services, and food. (Brooks 1; Gritz 1; “Jonestown” …show more content…
Jim Jones would take stimulants, such as amphetamine, to keep him awake and riled up throughout the day. Then, at night, he would take pentobarbital, a barbiturate, to help calm himself enough to sleep. This drug abuse was apparent due to the dismantled manner of his voice. Jones would also wear sunglasses to fight against light sensitivity which was caused by his abusive use of amphetamines. (Brooks 1) Not only was his mental condition slipping, but his physical condition declined as well. Jones suffered from an unknown illness which contributed to his physical decline. When an autopsy was done on his body, the embalming fluid compromised the findings of what exactly caused the physical decline, but his abuse of drugs is a major factor. Due to his physical and mental condition, terror struck the Jonestown settlement, and Jones’ condition is what ultimately led to the Jonestown Massacre. (Brooks