Major (Ret.) James Jones, Jr.

January 4, 1917 - May 8, 2015

Major (Ret.) James Clifton Jones, 98, of DeRidder, LA, passed away from this life, May 8, 2015 in Jennings Veterans Home.  He was born January 4, 1917, in Franklin, Tennessee to James Clifton and Nonnie Jones.

He retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years of active service, having served in both World War II and the Korean War.  He returned to Fort Polk as a civilian, as director of communications and electronics, continuing to serve his country another 10 years. He was a member of Bilbo Church of Christ in DeRidder.

Major’s outlook on life was the same as the advice he gave his children, “You put one foot in front of the other and walk the path placed in front of you”.  His devotion and wisdom will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nancy Jones Barrett; his wife of 54 years, Willie Pearl Averritt Jones; daughter, Mary Ann Jones; son, James Alvin Jones; and second wife, Helen Buchanan Jones. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jeraldine (Jerry) Daffin Jones; daughter, Bonnie Sue Jones Carrillo  (Roger); step-daughters, Glenda Sue Cooley Heard (Doug), Cathy Buchanan Clark (Lawrence), and Wilma Buchanan Propst; step-son, Terry Glen Cooley (Mickie); three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; 10 step-grand children and 12 step-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 11, 2015 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.  A Military Graveside service will be held at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 11:00am. Rev. Jay Alexander will officiate.

The family is deeply grateful for the excellent care given by Dr. Stephen Farquhar, the nursing staff at Jennings Veterans Home and Amedisys Hospice group.