James Reed Jones, 89, of Mexico, died at 11:48 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 8, 2017, at his home in Mexico.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 11, 2017, at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Ostrom officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from Noon until service time. Burial with military honors will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico.

James was born June 14, 1927, in Centralia, son of Cass Reed and Lola Mae (Rawlings) Jones. On June 25, 1948, in Harrison, Ark., he married Juanita R. Gurwell who survives.

Mr. Jones was a veteran and served in the US Navy during World War II. He was a mechanic and had worked at Mexico Motors, Hildebrand Motor Co., Smith Motor Co., Carroll Motors, and Miller-Kehl Motor Co. He was a member of Lockewood Park Baptist Church and had served as trustee. He also enjoyed cooking.

Jim was an incredibly kind, compassionate and caring man. He did not talk much, but his works and deeds added vivid color to that attribute. He was a faithful husband to his wife Juanita of almost 69 years and a merciful, loving and faithful Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Uncle to his family. He was the first to abandon his wants and desires to meet the needs of those around him. He was a peacemaker. Always seeking peace in the midst of any situation, no matter the circumstance or who was involved. He was a man's man and a child's hero. Although he was a Navy man, he was never a battleship, but always a lighthouse, leading us away from the rocky harbors and into those that he knew to be safe. He had a great but subtle sense of humor. Things could be swirling around us as they often do in this fast paced world, but his smile would draw you in and make you feel like all is well. He had a solid faith in the bedrock foundation of God's great mercy that was given to us when He sent His only begotten Son into this world to pay the ransom of our sin on the cross of Calvary, to be buried, and on the third day raised to life. We too share in that belief and because of that great hope and blessed assurance we know that we will meet again. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Pa.

In addition to his wife survivors include five sons, Terry Jones and wife Jan, Randy Jones and wife Carol, and Jeff Jones and wife Donna, all of Mexico, Danny Browning and wife Judy, and Jerry Browning and wife Martha, all of Austin, TX; one daughter, Tammy Jones and husband Jim, Mexico; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Jones and wife Robin, Mexico, Ryan Jones and wife Erin, Columbia, Grant Jones and wife Emily, Mexico, Gavin Jones, Columbia, Caitlyn Fairley and husband Josh, Mexico, Nick Jones, Columbia and Gabe Jones, Mexico; six great grandchildren, Madison, Payton, Aubrey, Carter, Landon, and Brady Jones; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Wayne, Elwood and Earl Jones.

Memorials may be made to Lockewood Park Baptist Church or to SSM Audrain Hospice. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.