James R. "Rich" Jones

James R. “Rich” Jones, 58, of Auburn, died at 7:40 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2007 at Memorial Medical Center. Rich was born May 29, 1949 in Springfield, the son of James Luther and Clara Jean Stewart Jones. He married Doris I. Bortell on April 19, 1980 in Chatham. Rich was a 1967 graduate of Springfield High School. He then attended the United Electronics Institute in Louisville, KY. He was employed at Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX in the early 1970’s working on the Forward Looking Infrared Radars (FLIR). Rich then worked for the Dickey-john Corporation in Auburn in the Engineering Department. Rich was his family’s handyman. He enjoyed tinkering and helping with many projects. He also enjoyed playing for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham’s softball league. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife: Doris Jones of Auburn; four children: Theresa Jones of Springfield, Mike Jones of St. Louis, Michelle Jones (fiancé, Nick Reagon) of St. Louis and Melanie Jones of Auburn; two sisters: Barb (husband, Tom) Marvel of Springfield and Rebecca (husband, David) Jones-Grooms of Elm City, NC; one aunt: Avo Hancock of CA; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and three cats: Puddles, Harley and Tigger. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1225 N. Main St., Chatham. A memorial ceremony will follow at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. Clarence Rogers officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Lung Association of Illinois, 3000 Kelly Ln., Springfield, IL 62707 or to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702. The family of James R. “Rich” Jones is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.