West Point/Lafayette – James 'Jimmy' Jones, Jr. age 81 passed away at 2:37 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018 in Franciscan St. E. East Hospital, following an extended illness. Jimmy was born in rural Fountain County, August 13, 1936, son of the late James L. and Edith Marie Shamp Jones. He married Bonnie L. Rosen in the West Point United Methodist Church, November 23, 1957 and she survives. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day 2017.

He attended Vine School in Davis Township and graduated from West Point High School in 1955. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Jimmy was a life long farmer. He and Bonnie began their farming career in Richland Township working with John and Bea Kell in the Wingate/Newtown area. They then moved to the West Point community and established their farm where they raised grain and livestock. He enjoyed everything about farming, especially making hay. Farming was both his life and hobby!

He was a Past Master of the Richland F&AM Lodge. Jimmy was a one of a kind, 'colorful character', who, if you met once, you knew him! Jimmy was quick-witted, ornery, he enjoyed talking, interacting , provoking and making people laugh. Beneath his 'rough edges' was a hard working-man with a heart of gold, who would go out of his way to help both friend and foe if they were in need. His outgoing, ornery personality and boyish grin endeared him to all who knew him.

Surviving along with his wife Bonnie: a son; Mark Alvin Jones of rural Attica, two daughters; Lisa Kay (Jeff) Synesal Grube of Rochester and Linda Lou (Eric) Gellenbeck of Lafayette. Grandchildren: Jessica Galloway, Ashley Blakey, Emily Jones, Nikki Laffoon, Dustin and Brandon Sieber, Eric S. and Lauren Gellenbeck, Eight great-grandchildren and two sisters; Rosemary Miller and Patricia McCoy both of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Don, sister Marcia Martin and great-grandson Jacob Alvin Galloway.

Visitation hours are, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with funeral services at the funeral home, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 with Pastor Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will follow in West Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions are preferred to Riley Hospital for Children or West Point Fire and Rescue. To leave a condolence or share a memory visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com