James Hardy Jones Sr.

James Hardy Jones
9/10/1936 – 10/6/2023
On September 10, 1936 James Hardy Jones “Jimmy” was born to Walter Edmond Jones and Genevieve Acoma Jones (Lightfoot) in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Growing up, he spent some of his childhood in Fergus Falls, but later relocated with his parents to
southern California. There James attended North Hollywood High School where he participated in the ROTC Army training program. In July of 1956, James joined the United States Air Force. During his service, he was assigned to the Aerospace Defense Command as a carpenter. In 1960, James was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jean Van Drunen. James walked into a popular restaurant in town and saw Jean sitting with friends. With the song “Kansas City” playing, James asked Jean to dance, and their love story began. In a few weeks, James was set to be stationed in Oregon. Despite his relocating, their love continued to grow for one another, and on February 4th of 1961, they were married. In October that year, Jean gave birth to their first child, Edmond
Arnold. After 6 years of service to his country, Jim was honorably discharged as a Senior Airman for the United States Air Force, receiving an Oak Leaf Cluster and a Good Conduct Metal. In 1962, James and Jean decided to put down roots on the coast of California where they built a beautiful family and had three more children. After the Air Force, Jim continued to use his carpentry and machinist skills, working for Statham Instruments, and working a second job as a
superintendent for construction of apartments in
Oxnard. He later left Statham Instruments and took
employment with Abex, making parts for their
Aerospace Program. In his retirement, James’
grandchildren, along with Jean’s baking, brought joy
to his days. James would chauffer his grandchildren
wherever they needed to go, if they didn’t have a ride.
He loved watching his grandson’s play football and rarely missed a game.
James is preceded in death by his wife Jean Jones, daughter Michaele Boswell (2002), granddaughter Jean Whitlock (2000), parents Walter and Genevieve Jones, and his sister Marsha Gastil. He is survived by his children Edmond Jones, Genell Jones, Cheryl Metcalf, James Jones Jr. and wife Rosemary, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and his brother Mike Jones.