James Jim Jones

James N. Jones, Jr., 90, passed away February 1, 2012 in Boulder, CO. He was born March 24, 1921 in Denver to James Jones, Sr. and Eva Peyton Jones. He attended West High School in Denver. He began work with Gates Rubber in 1939 and worked there until he volunteered for the Army in 1942. Jim served in the Pacific Theater as a medic until November 1945. He married Marie Bullock in January 1946, who preceded Jim in death. They had five children.

Jim worked for the postal service as well as for the Radisson Hotel in Denver for many years. After his military service, he was one of the charter members of the Verle Huffman Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #9644, Englewood, CO, serving as post commander from 1950 to 1951. He was the last surviving charter member of the post. He also served as VFW chaplain, for 10 years as well as a service officer and in the honor guard. In his later years, he enjoyed visiting with other veterans in hospitals and nursing homes. Jim was also a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He married Fern Mechem on August 3, 1984. They moved from Boulder to Hampton, Iowa in 1986 and lived there until they returned to Colorado in l996. They made their home in Longmont. He and Fern were members of the Polka Club of America. He also was a member of the Kicker's Sports Club of Golden, CO. Jim was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed railroads. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting in his open garage, cheering passers-by with a pleasant hello and a wave.

Jim is survived by his wife, Fern, and five children: sons Michael Jones (Diane) of Centennial, Colorado; Val Jones of Austin, Texas; and daughters Kay Drake Jones, Lynn Coble and Judith (Jeff) Glodt all of Englewood. Step-children include Raymond Mechem (Mary) of Mason City, Iowa; Richard Mechem (Fran) of Algona, Iowa; Randall Mechem (Carol) of Littleton, Colorado; and Jean Taggart of Boulder, Colorado. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Jones of Virginia and Richard Jones of Aurora.

There will a visitation from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7 at the Howe Mortuary, Longmont.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Howe Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area C, at 12:15 p.m.