James Jones Obituary

James J. Jones of Ignacio passed away at Mercy Hospice House in Durango on May 7, 2018.

Jim was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania to James and Agnes Jones on July 7, 1927. He attended the Kingston Public School and joined the Army during his senior year of high school.

Jim was very proud of being a World War II Veteran. He spent most of his service time in Japan where he was made Sergeant by the age of 20. After the war Jim came to Colorado to attend college, graduating from Adams State College in 1952. While attending college he met his wife Naoma Belarde. The couple married in 1952 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Jim spend his career in education receiving his Master's degree from The University of Nebraska. He served in many different areas as an educational administrator, including high school principal, elementary principal, superintendent and college administrator. He spent his last seventeen years working at Fort Lewis College, retiring in 1984.

Before retiring, Jim and Naoma moved to the family ranch near Ignacio in 1983.

Jim was known for his kind heart and helpful spirit. He was greatly loved and respected by his entire family.

Jim is survived by: his wife, Naoma; his children, Juvie and Loretta Jones of Ignacio, CO and Jean Jones of Fairplay, CO; his sister, Jule Watsik of Georgia; his grandchildren: Loren, Brian, Lyndsay, Adam and Therese Jones and his three great grandchildren: Matrim, Haven and Alera Jones.

Jim is preceded in death by his son, Jamie Jones and his sister Mary Keating.

Services for Jim will be planned at a later date. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Mercy Hospice and Mercy Hospice House.