James Robert Jones

Mr. Jones, age 87, of Charlotte, died Friday, January 28, 2011. He was born August 16, 1923 in Tulsa, OK to the late Barbara Hughes Jones and

Clyde Jones of Tulsa.

Following his return from the US Army in 1946 he married Hazel Geneva Fletcher of Tulsa, OK.

He entered the University of Oklahoma in 1946 and graduated with a BA degree in Journalism in 1949. He was a member of the Univ. of Oklahoma basketball team reaching the NCAA finals in 1949.

Mr. Jones retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 33 years of service in 9 locations and two stints in the Akron, Ohio home office.

He was a 45 year member of Providence Baptist Church and had an avid interest in The Providence Baptist Church Activity Center.

His avocation centered around his athletic family and playing tennis. As a tennis doubles player he was ranked in the top ten nationally in the 55-60 age group for four consecutive years. He won 15 North Carolina State Championships and five Southern Championships.

In addition to his beloved wife, Mr. Jones is survived by his daughter Susan Diane Jones of Charlotte and two sons Kirby Jones and his wife Susan of Roswell, GA and Bobby Jones and his wife Tess of Charlotte; his grandchildren Eric Jones and his wife Shelly, Matthew Jones and his wife Ashley, Meredith Jones Bost and her husband Stuart, Jonathan Jones, and Mary Hanley Jones. He is also survived by 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Providence Baptist Church 4921 Randolph Rd, Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service. A private interment will be held at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care or The Providence Baptist Church.

Harry and Bryant Co. is serving the family of Mr. Jones.