A graveside service, with full military honors, was held Monday at Lakewood Memorial Park for James H. Jones, 68, of Modesto. He died Nov. 23, 2008 following a 16-plus month battle with cancer.
Born Feb. 12, 1940, Mr. Jones was a native of Western Grove, Ark., and raised in the Hughson area. He enlisted as a private in the California Army National Guard in Modesto, on March 27, 1957. He later entered full-time service with the Modesto-based First Battalion 185th Infantry as a Unit Supply Technician, and later became the Unit Administrative Technician. In 1972, he was discharged as a master sergeant and appointed as a warrant officer the next day, when he assumed the duties of the Battalion Chief Administrative Officer in the First Battalion 159th Infantry. Jim subsequently became the Battalion Automotive Technician for the First Battalion 184th Infantry Mechanized and retired in 1996 having risen to the rank of CW4. Chief Jones also saw duty at the Watts Riots (1965), the People's Park Riots of 1969, and the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. He also was a major participant in the 1986 deployment of the first-ever Reserve Component combat task force to participate in Operation Team Spirit, in South Korea. During his 39-year military career, Jim was an outstanding mentor to enlisted personnel and officers alike.
He enjoyed wood working, performing volunteer work with military organizations, and supporting local community outreach programs. Mr. Jones was a member of the Harvest Church in Crows Landing. Jim's deep faith and love of the Lord was evident throughout his illness as it was throughout his adult life.
He leaves behind his wife, Marty Jones of Modesto; daughter Lori Burgess of Gustine; two step-daughters, Kim Weder of Modesto and Michelle Proulx of Suffield, Conn.; two brothers, Jimmy Jones and Ross Jones, both of Ceres; and his grandson, Hunter Burgess of Gustine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Almo and Gilford Jones.
Remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 4933, Modesto, CA 95352.
-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /Dec.. 3, 2008
Born Feb. 12, 1940, Mr. Jones was a native of Western Grove, Ark., and raised in the Hughson area. He enlisted as a private in the California Army National Guard in Modesto, on March 27, 1957. He later entered full-time service with the Modesto-based First Battalion 185th Infantry as a Unit Supply Technician, and later became the Unit Administrative Technician. In 1972, he was discharged as a master sergeant and appointed as a warrant officer the next day, when he assumed the duties of the Battalion Chief Administrative Officer in the First Battalion 159th Infantry. Jim subsequently became the Battalion Automotive Technician for the First Battalion 184th Infantry Mechanized and retired in 1996 having risen to the rank of CW4. Chief Jones also saw duty at the Watts Riots (1965), the People's Park Riots of 1969, and the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. He also was a major participant in the 1986 deployment of the first-ever Reserve Component combat task force to participate in Operation Team Spirit, in South Korea. During his 39-year military career, Jim was an outstanding mentor to enlisted personnel and officers alike.
He enjoyed wood working, performing volunteer work with military organizations, and supporting local community outreach programs. Mr. Jones was a member of the Harvest Church in Crows Landing. Jim's deep faith and love of the Lord was evident throughout his illness as it was throughout his adult life.
He leaves behind his wife, Marty Jones of Modesto; daughter Lori Burgess of Gustine; two step-daughters, Kim Weder of Modesto and Michelle Proulx of Suffield, Conn.; two brothers, Jimmy Jones and Ross Jones, both of Ceres; and his grandson, Hunter Burgess of Gustine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Almo and Gilford Jones.
Remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 4933, Modesto, CA 95352.
-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /Dec.. 3, 2008
