John Luther Jones

John Luther Jones,81, of Blue Grass passed away on June 24th at his home. John was born in Doe Hill to Charles Kenton Jones and Bertha Lillian Simmons on September 5th, 1942. He was taken from Doe Hill and placed in Lynchburg Training Center when he was 6 years old. He remained there for 43 years. Martha met him when he came to live in a Waynesboro group home and discovered that he had originated from Highland County. This is when the Community Sponsored Placement Program began, and in 1994 he returned to Doe Hill where he resided at the former home of Walter and Emma Botkin, of whom he was related. He had a very special friend and neighbor, Shirley Armstrong, and the entire Doe Hill community was very kind and welcoming to him. He attended Doe Hill UMC. In 2002 he moved to Mount Sidney and made his home there for approximately 15 years. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah UMC and made many friends there. He had a special room at Shenandoah Valley Landscaping and loved the Brooks family. For the past 7 years, he resided in Blue Grass. For this entire 30-year period, he was cared for and resided with Martha Colaw Hancock, his brother Billy Lee Jones, and his special younger brothers James Curtis Hancock, and George Lane Hancock. He watched James and Lane from birth grow into young men who then helped care for him. He touched many of their young friends’ lives, and then James’ wife Marissa Hancock, and Lane’s girlfriend Presley Marshall. John’s special girl was always Lois White, and the mention of her name always brought a smile to his face. Other special people in his life were Lisa Kodger, Trudy Colaw, Donna Warner, and Sabra Spears. He was very close to the late George (Goog) Colaw, whom he always referred to as “Daddy.” He attended both the Colaw and Brown family reunions and gatherings, and he was a part of these families. John was a country boy at heart, he loved being outdoors, animals, and always thought of himself as a cowboy. John will never be forgotten by anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting him. A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, June 28th at 2:00 at Blue Grass Cemetery with Reverend Andre Crummett officiating. Memorials may be given to the Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com