James Jones

James Leroy Jones was born May 2, 1947, in Gatesville, TX to Alvin Minard Taylor and Mildred Lee Thetford.

James Leroy Jones enlisted in the Marine Corps September 1, 1964, in Dallas, Texas as Pvt E-1. March 1, 1967, James took Honorable Discharge as Sgt E-5 in Parris Island, South Carolina. September 16, 1967, James re-enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with Good Conduct Medal leading his Second Team to Viet Nam. On October 16, 1973, James took his last Honorable Discharge as Staff Sergeant E-6, however, The Marine Medal Application states he actually left as Gunnery Sgt E-7.

Staff Sergeant James L. Jones received many decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations, and campaign ribbons: Rifle Expert Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Stars, Good Conduct Medal with 1 Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm plus, several more while serving a total of Nine Years, 1 Month, and 16 Days.

James Leroy Jones was a die-hard Marine, but his favorite titles were Daddy, Papaw and Pepaw.

James is survived by his daughter, Debra Packer of New Jersey; Tamatha Bolton of Gholson, TX; James Alvin Jones of Whitney, TX; and Angela Christine Love of Waco, TX. Six Granddaughters- Gretchen Harcrow of Vidor, TX: Kenzee Smith of Mart, TX; Lexi Jones of Whitney, TX; Hagen Vincent of Robinson, TX; Taylor Love of Hewitt, TX; and Qyaira Wyatt of Weatherford,TX. Four Grandsons: Richard Bolton of Hallsburg, TX; Randy Kennedy of Bristol, TX; River Milne of Hubbard, TX; and Rance Milne of Hubbard, TX. Two Great Grandsons: Bohdi Wyatt and Klayton Kennedy. Nine Great Granddaughters: Ava Packer, Olivia, Kennedy, Mikayla Wilkins, Mikenlynn Wilkins, Rhylynn Wade, Ruby Bolton, Raeleigh Vincent, Kaselyn Love, Baileigh Ritch. Two bonus grandkids: Corbin Willett and Destiny Dawson. Two Sisters: Susie Wood of Alaska and June Sanders of Cameron, TX.

James's latest passion was going to the HOT Speedway every Friday night to support his favorite race car drivers (who are also serving as his pallbearers). His daughter Angie said it only made sense to have his favorite racers see him to his final resting place.

James even has a dedicated place on Paul White's race car of a heart with the inside saying "Thank You PawPaw" with the background of a flag. James had a special love for his racing buddies and their families. He kept telling Eric Tomlinson it was time for him to have a baby with that special lady of his and he would be happy to know that is exactly what’s happening.

His favorite saying was "Stay in your lane because you won't like my wrecker service." James had endless stories and jokes that would have tears pouring out of your eyes from laughter. The most unique and special love he had most of all was the love he held for his kids and grandkids.

James,
the MAN,
the MYTH,
the LEGEND!