James L. Jones

James Leonard Jones was born on December 4, 1927 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of Theodore and Uloa Chillcott Jones. He died Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit at the age of 89 years and 6 months.
James grew up in Beloit, and attended Beloit High School. During high school he entered in the United States Navy, and following his service returned to graduate from Beloit High School.
He was united in marriage with Patricia White, and three children were born to this union. He and his family lived in Osborne, Ellsworth, and North Newton, before returning to Beloit in January 2015.
James worked for the Kansas Gas Company for 45 years – he serviced the Cawker City, Downs, and Osborne territory and retired in 1992. Following his retirement, he purchased a German Shepard, naming him Stormy. They attended many obedience training classes, and formed a special bond of mutual love.
He loved his motorcycles, often buying and selling them, and amassed a large collection of motorcycle models. In the late 1990s, he fulfilled a dream of traveling to Sturgis with a group of friends. He was also an avid sports fan, and was very supportive of the local football, basketball, and track teams.
James remained active, serving the Ellsworth Senior Center and delivering meals on wheels. He was also a volunteer fireman in Osborne, was a member of the Osborne American Legion, and his motorcycle club, the "Retreads".
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Theda LeDuc; and his brother Ted Jones.
James is survived by his wife Patricia; his son, Greg of Cawker City; his daughters, Kathleen and husband Wayne Valentine of Newton, and Janis Burks of Gypsum; 4 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; special nieces and nephews, Evert and wife Alice Lacoe, Debbie Abram, Randy Lacoe, and Ted Lacoe; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be at 11 AM Thursday, June 8 at Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation with family will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the McDonald Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Hilltop Lodge.