James Jones Obituary

James Howard

Jones

March 12, 1934

November 29, 2021



James (Jim) Howard Jones passed away on November 29, 2021, at the age of 87. He was born on March 12, 1934, to James Richard Jones and Edith Donner Jones in Taylorville, Illinois. Jim grew up in Illinois and later Arizona after World War II. He graduated from West Phoenix High School, and then entered the Army during the Korean War. In 1953 Jim qualified and attended West Point Prep School at Stewart Airforce Base in NY. Before entering West Point in 1954, Jim met the love of his life, Gerry White, in nearby Glens Falls, NY. Amidst his academics at West Point, Jim captained the rifle team to an undefeated season, and was selected 1957-1958 First Team All American. Jim said that Gerry's presence on the rifle range and at the matches brought him good luck. On June 5, 1958, the day after graduation, Jim and Gerry were married in the West Point chapel.

Jim received a Bachelor's Degree from West Point, and later a Master's Degree from the University of Illinois. Additional education included the Army Command & General Staff College. Jim served on the Army Staff in War Plans and later served as the Army Secretary for Joint Actions. His Army career was a proud one with many awards and decorations, including National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, 3 Legion of Merit medals, a Bronze Star, 2 Air medals, Army Commendation Medal, and many Vietnamese medals (Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, & Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal) from two tours there as an Airborne Ranger. He was especially proud of the Distinguished Rifleman Badge earned competing at the highest level in the Armed Service with a rifle. Before retiring from the Army 1977, Jim took command of the I/70 Armored Division at Fort Carson in 1973, in Colorado Springs, CO. After turning over this command, he accepted the G-1 position for the 4th Division. Next, he was selected to attend War College in Carlisle, PA with a follow-up assignment as Armor Advisor for the Iranian Army, an assignment he declined due to concerns for his and Gerry's aging parents, 3 kids in school, and 18 moves behind the family.

Jim's second career was in financial planning. He went to work for United Services Planning Association (USPA/IRA) servicing military professionals for the next 14 years, and would become the Colorado Springs District Agent. After a series of back surgeries, Jim finally retired in June, 1994.

Jim was an avid sportsman over his life, and became especially fond of Colorado hunting and fishing. A long time Eagle Scout, he was involved in the scouting program wherever he was stationed in the military. Jim was very proud of his sons and grandsons for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim was also a volunteer with the Colorado Springs Police Department teaching marksmanship for over 2,500 hours.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gerry, of 63 years, his brother John Jones, of Phoenix, AZ, his daughter-in-law Sandy Jones of MD, his children, Jennifer Jones-Sims, of Colorado Springs, and son Jeff Jones (and daughter-in-law Pippa Jones) of Kailua-Kona, HI, and his 5 grandchildren, Will Jones (and wife Sarah) of Fort Collins, CO, Andrew Jones, of Fort Collins, CO, and Taylor, Delaney, and Hunter Sims, of Colorado Springs, CO. He is preceded in death by his late son, James K. Jones.

Jim will always be remembered for his love of God and family, enthusiasm for life, generosity, and being a great soldier who served his country and took care of his troops. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in February.