James H. Jones, Jr., of Piperton, TN, passed peacefully from this earthly home into his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the age of 79. Jimmy was born on February 27, 1943 to the late James H. Jones, Sr. and Elizabeth Bedingfield Jones in Tampa, FL, and he is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Katherine Jones; his loving daughter, Julia Taylor (Gary) of Collierville, TN; two precious grandchildren, Laney Claire and Luke Cameron; his sister, Sarah Miller (Keith) of Bellingham, WA; and Jerry B. Jones (his late wife, Lavonda) of Tampa, FL; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. During his younger years, Jimmy grew up in Pontotoc, MS, and later his family lived in the Bushnell/Brooksville, FL area. He graduated with his Associates degree from Florida College in Temple Terrace, FL, his Bachelor’s degree from Harding University in Searcy, AR, his Masters degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, and his Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. For several years, Dr. Jones taught high school English in Bushnell, FL, before embarking into his educational administration career. Jimmy and Katherine moved to Jackson, MS, where he worked for the Mississippi State Department of Education, and later as the Assistant Superintendent in Hattiesburg, MS. In 1985, he was named Superintendent of the North Pike School District in Summit, MS, where he proudly served until his retirement in 2000. While in Summitt, Jimmy was active in the Rotary Club, serving as President in 1993, along with other community organizations. In 2000, Dr. Jones returned to his alma mater, Florida College, where he worked to establish the four-year Bachelor’s in Education program there. In 2009, following the birth of their first grandchild, Jimmy retired, and they moved to Olive Branch, MS, where Julia and her family were living. From an early age, Jimmy loved to travel! He visited 48 states by car, but his favorite destinations were the eastern and western coasts of Canada and Sanibel Island, FL. At the center of his life was always his passion for serving the Lord. Jimmy was a faithful Christian, and no matter where he may have been in the world, he always made it a priority to worship his God. For several years, he served as an Elder with the Valley Grove Church of Christ in Southaven, MS, and most recently he and Katherine have worshipped with the East Shelby Church of Christ in Collierville. Jimmy was always willing to serve in any capacity needed, and he was a wonderful Bible teacher. The family requests that memorials in his memory be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. The family will gather to receive friends on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 5:00pm, and the Celebration of Life service will begin at 6:00pm, at Collierville Funeral Home, 3863 Bailey Station Road, with a reception to immediately follow. Online memories and condolences may be made at www.ColliervilleFuneral.com
Collierville Funeral Home
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