James William Jones, 85, of Taylorville died at 12:10am Saturday, October 08, 2011 at Prairie Rose Care Center, Pana. He was born October 2, 1926 in Clinton, IN, the son of Benjamin B. and Vivian Hardy Jones. On September 15, 1949 he married Gloria Darline Smith at the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville. Mr. Jones served in both WWII and the Korean War with the rank of Fire Controlman 3C. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, 55 year member and Past Master of Mound Lodge #122 A.F.&A.M.; member and Past Worthy Patron of Haselmere Chapter #122 O.E.S.; Ansar Shrine, Valley of Danville Consistory; member and Past President of Christian County Shrine Club; and 60 year member of V.F.W. Post 4495. He retired in January 1991 after 38 years of service with Illinois Consolidated Telephone Co., Contel, and Harris-McBurney. Jim had been instrumental in securing a physician and medical building in West Salem, IL in 1984. He was named Mayor of West Salem to fulfill a term vacated by the elected official.

Surviving are his wife, Gloria Jones of Taylorville, Daughter, Jamie Sue Trout of Kincaid, daughter-in-law: Laura Jones of Effingham. 5 Grandchildren: Michael Jones and wife Amanda of Camargo, Toby Lynn Jones and companion Leroy Osteen, Sr. of Decatur, Jedd James Jones of Pawnee, Tymber Beard and husband Dalyn of Claremont, and Casey Trout of Ingraham. 9 Grandchildren: Ricki Jones, Jordan Jones, Courtney Morris, Jacob Jones, Payton Osteen, Regan Osteen, Leroy Osteen, Jr., Ayden Beard, and Jameson Jones, Brother, Ben Jones and sister Rosemary DeVore.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Monday, October 10, 2011 at McClure Funeral Home with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from Noon until time of service in the funeral Home.

McClure Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.