HOLMEN, WISCONSIN – James “Jim” Willis Jones, 93, husband of Betty (Schwalbe) Jones, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on December 17, 2024.

Born in Smackover, Arkansas on June 3, 1931, Jim was the son of the late Harry and Minnie (Wheat) Jones. He attained a Masters Degree in Theology from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and was ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister. He served numerous congregations throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and in Wisconsin after moving to La Crosse in 2000. He proudly served in the US Navy during Vietnam as a Chaplain, ministering to sailors and marines on the many ships that comprised Destroyer Squadron Nine. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Texas and rose to Master Mason in 1971. Although he filled numerous positions throughout his history with the Masonic Lodge, one of his most memorable was serving as the Texas State Grand Chaplain. In addition to his ministry as a pastor and a Master Mason, he aided numerous families through his work in Wichita Falls, Texas with the Child Protective Services Agency. After moving to Wisconsin, he was active with the Coulee Region Gospel Group, where he not only used his beautiful baritone singing to spread God’s word and joy, he was also the unofficial pastor of the group. He enjoyed reading, traveling, and music, but his favorite past time above all was spending time with his beloved wife Betty.

In addition to his wife Betty, Jim leaves behind his sister Shirley Ann Taylor, daughters Karen (Frank) Bower, Amy (Doug) Cummins, son Steven Ray Jones, his wife’s son Stephen (Toy) Jessup, and daughter Nancy (Jim) Cocchiola, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother Raymond “Buck” Odell, Betty’s son Dennis Jessup and grandson Cory Jessup.

Jim’s family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Mayo Clinic Hospice and especially Caretta Assisted Living Facility who provided incredible care to him and his family.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.