JAMES L JONES Obituary (1932

James L. Jones, 87, of Libby was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2020. James (Jimmy) was born May 19, 1932 in Beaver, Oklahoma to Thomas Lee & Cora Edith (Sears) Jones. As a young child Jimmy moved to Southern California with his family which is where he was raised. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from June of 1948 to July of 1951. He was a gunner in the Navy's first operational helicopter squadron (HU-1) stationed out of Miramar for a year and then spent the rest of his enlistment stationed on a Naval destroyer (USS Hopewell DD-681) during the Korean Conflict/War. After an Honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy Jimmy moved back to California where he met the love of his life, Judith Corder. Jimmy and Judy were married in Nevada on Aug. 30, 1955 before establishing their home together in Southern California. They moved to Montana in 1970 where Jimmy worked at the Libby Dam as an electrical supervisor, retiring in 1998. They spent 58 wonderful years together and raised six children. Jimmy's stature alone demanded respect and even fear from some but in reality he was a big teddy bear and a pure gentleman through and through. He had a truly kind and loving heart. He taught his children the importance of hard work but most importantly the value of family, time, and respect of others. He was a family man and spent countless hours boating and camping with his family. Those who knew Jimmy were honored with his genuine loving spirit. Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife Judy in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents Thomas Jones and Cora Sears Dickerman as well as his sister Marilyn West. Jimmy is survived, by his son Tom Jones (Sue) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; his daughter Tonsie (Rod) of Libby; son Tim Jones (Mary) of Foresthill, CA; daughter Tina Carlock (John) of Libby; son Ted Jones of Marysville, CA; and son Tracy Jones of Marysville, CA; Nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jimmy will be greatly missed by his children who find comfort in knowing he is reunited with Judy and they are dancing in heaven. Arrangements are pending for a private family memorial (celebration of life). Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.