EXHIBIT 99.5

To:     Qualified Plan Trustee/Custodian

From:   Jones Cable Corporation, the Managing General Partner

Date:   August 31, 1998

RE:     NOTICE OF PROXY MAILING:   PROPOSED SALE OF THE ROSEVILLE CALIFORNIA 
                                   CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM BY IDS/JONES GROWTH
                                   PARTNERS 87-A, LTD.

IDS/Jones Growth Partners 87-A, Ltd. (the "Partnership") plans to sell its 
Roseville California system to an unaffiliated third party during the fourth 
quarter of 1998.

PROXY INFORMATION
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The proposed sale and the distribution of net sales proceeds are contingent upon
the approval by the holders of a majority of Fund 87-A's limited partnership 
interests, as well as the consents of governmental authorities and other third 
parties.  The proxy record date is August 20, 1998.
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According to our records, you have authorized the Managing General Partner to
send proxy materials directly your clients, the beneficial owners of the limited
partnership interests that are registered in your name and for which you act as
trustee/custodian, and have authorized the beneficial owners to execute the
proxy cards on your behalf without your countersignature.

At your request, the proxy materials have been sent directly to such beneficial 
owners.  THE DEADLINE FOR THE RETURN OF THE PROXY VOTE BY LIMITED PARTNERS IS 
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, BUT WE HOPE TO HAVE ALL VOTES IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
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If the proposed sale is consummated, the Partnership will distribute 
approximately $668 for each $1,000 invested.  The Partnership will mail net 
sales proceeds to you on behalf of the Beneficial Owners, and the Partnership 
will notify the Beneficial Owners that the distribution has occurred.

After the sale of the Roseville system and the distribution of the net sales 
proceeds, the Partnership will be liquidated and dissolved, most likely in 1998.
Taking into account the prior and pending liquidation distributions and prior 
cash flow distributions, limited partners will have received a total of $1,400 
per $1,000 invested in the Partnership.

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
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Please be aware that the sale of the Roseville system will require certain tax 
filings.  Income from the partnership may be taxable to an IRA or pension plan 
as Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI).  WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO REFER TO 
THE TAX DISCUSSION ON PAGES 12-13 OF THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR INFORMATION THAT IS
PROVIDED SOLELY FOR TAX PLANNING PURPOSES.

Enclosed please find a copy of the Notice and Proxy Statement and the Managing 
General Partner's list of the beneficial owners of limited partnership interests
that are registered in your name.  If you find any discrepancies in this 
information or have questions, please contact the Jones Investor Services 
Department as soon as possible.

Enclosures