MALTA- James Lee Jones 84, hung up his cowboy hat and
kicked off his boots in this life to follow his special angel to
his new everlasting home on June 23, 2018. Cremation has taken
place and a family celebration of Jim’s life will take place at
later time. Jim will be greatly missed by all of his loving
family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all of his
grandchildren. Condolences for the family may be left at
www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com
Jim was born in Fort
Meade, South Dakota on November 20, 1933 to parents James Jones
and Mildred Miles. Jim grew up and attended school in Deadwood,
South Dakota. He graduated high school in Deadwood in 1951.
Jim entered a school to
become a pole climber and was certified in this career field. He
enlisted in the army and served in the Korea until June 1958.
Jim returned to the career of pole climbing for the Northwestern
Bell Company. Jim met and married Alta Halvorson, and the two
moved to Malta to raise her children and become business owners
of various bar-dining establishments. Jim remained by Alta’s
side until she passed away. In 1990 he met and began the start
of a life partnership with Nancy Soennichsen. The two enjoyed
bird watching, playing cards, wood working, fishing and spending
time with their grandchildren.
Jim had various jobs
over the years, but talked fondly of his days driving the school
bus for the school children. He also found many “treasures” over
the years as the city landfill attendant.
Jim was a big man, 6’6
with a booming voice and laugh to match. He wore a distinguished
mustache, and always a glimmer of mischief from his younger
days. He loved telling his own real life stories, and was a
gifted storyteller. He also enjoyed reading a good story and was
a lover of books and reading. He was an avid gun enthusiast, He
enjoyed all aspects of gun repair, reload, sighting in and
firing. Jim noticed detail and appreciated the history of things
thus leading him to be a collector of guns, coins, and knives.
One of the highlights
of Jim’s life was the day he and his fishing buddy, Eli Waters
caught the state record catfish at the Nelson Reservoir on May
8, 2006.
James is survived by
brother Robert (Yvonne) Jones, step-children Mark(Connie)
Halvorson, Mike(Debbie) Halvorson, Jackie(Bryce) Campbell.
Nieces Ty, Melody Jones, Holly, Gary Grant. step daughters
Rhonda Waters, Terri Cole and KayDel (Del) Stiles. Grandchildren
Baxter(Ashley) Waters, Eli Waters, Sascha (Tyler) Luloff,
Satchel Cole, Tachante Cole, Shade (Kayla) Stiles, Jaren Stiles,
Dane (Amanda) Stiles, Mercedes (Nolan) Simanton, Sophia Stiles,
and Chevelle RedEagle Stiles. Great-Grandchildren Tucker, Owen,
and Izzybella Waters, Tavi Luloff, Tant and Tova Anderson, Zaya,
Vada Lee, and Taio Stiles and Pharo Stiles.
Jim was preceded in death by parents, wife Alta Jones, son Joe Halvorson, son-in-law Jeff Waters, life partner Nancy Soennichsen, sister Marilyn Grant.
Rest in peace, my old friend. Jim will be missed by all who knew
him. He was always fun to talk to.
Guest book submissions may be made using the link to the left.
