James Edward Jones (Jimmy)
James Edward Jones (Jimmy) was born October 28, 1949, in McAlester, OK, to Edward F. and Laverne Brown Jones and passed away March 3, 2016, after a 4-year bout with cancer. Even through his illness, Jim remained a model of positiveness and inspiration. His endless love for life and his infectious smile and sense of humor were always present. He lived by a three-point saying...you can give up; give in; or give it all you've got. He chose the latter.
Jimmy graduated from Panola High School in 1968 where he was known for his athletic ability and completed college at Eastern Oklahoma State College before graduating with his teaching degree from Northeastern State University.
Jimmy and Judy Collins became lifelong sweethearts at age 18 and 16 and they were married in 1973 upon college graduation. Eight days later they began their teaching careers in the Beggs Public School district. He then worked towards his Master Degree in Health Administration at the University of Oklahoma.
His teaching/coaching career spanned several Oklahoma schools along with a long tenure as a summer Little League baseball coach. In 2002, he coached his team in one of the first K-8 State basketball tournaments.
Jimmy had the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Choctaw Nation Health programs under three honorable chiefs, Harry J. W. Belvin, David Gardner and Hollis Roberts. He was instrumental in the development of the Community Health Representative Program for the 10 1/2 counties in the Choctaw Nation. He celebrated his cultural heritage and never missed the chance to tell others about his Choctaw People.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years Judy Collins Jones of the home; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Troy Walker and granddaughters Madison Kay Walker and Macy Kay Walker. Other survivors include his sisters- and brothers-in law Bob and Sue Collins Pattison of Red Oak; John and Susan Collins of Marshall, Texas; sister, Judith Jones Smith of Durant; an uncle, Wayne Jones of Alderson, OK; and special nephew and family, Chase, Erin and McKenzie Condor of Durant, OK. He is also survived by several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and the entire Bethel Family whom he loved to be around at family reunion times.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Laverne Jones; sister, Linda Jones Condor and grandparents, Jimmie and Betty Jones and Milton and Julia Dunham Brown; also parents-in-law, Al & Doris Collins.
Services will be held at the Panola Baptist Church, Panola, OK, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2016 with Rev. Howard Head and Minister Logan Cates presiding. Interment to follow at the Baldwin Cemetery, Wilburton, OK.
Serving as pallbearers are Bob Pattison, John Collins, Chase Condor, Ryan Hudson, Mark Hudson, Troy Walker and Wayne Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Juanita Noah, Audrey Skimbo, Bill Cecil, Charles Adams, Buddy Enis, West Hilburn, Joe Coley, Randy Brigance and Audrey Balentine.
SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF WALDROP FUNERAL HOME, WILBURTON, OKLAHOMA.