Fred Jones

Frederick McKinley Jones, a pioneering inventor in portable refrigeration, earned the nickname “King of Cool.” Overcoming a difficult childhood, he taught himself mechanical and electrical engineering, becoming one of the most influential Black inventors of the 20th century.

Jones secured more than 60 patents for innovations in refrigeration, sound, and automotive technology. His portable refrigeration units played a crucial role in helping the U.S. military transport food, medicine, and blood during World War II. Alongside his business partner, he co-founded a company now known as Thermo King. Jones passed away in February 1961 at the age of 67.