1936-2026
James Charles Jones Sr. departed his earthly home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 90. James was affectionately known as 'JC', and was the fifth child of seven children. He was born to the late Rev. William Louis “Mack" Jones 11 and Lula B. Carpenter Jones on February 29, 1936.
In the early to mid 50's, JC, his brother, Johnny, and father, Mack, began a logging company named J&J Logging, which is short for JC and Johnny. J&J Logging was a successful company for more than 40 years. The sons honored the teachings of their father and were very productive. In 1996, JC went independent under the name of 37. In 2001, JC retired from the logging business.
JC had a deep passion for baseball. In 1958, JC played for the Pine Bluff Braves for 30 consecutive years. He was known to load his car with children and take them to the game to see him slide into home base. In July 1988, JC decided to give up his glove and cleats, and pick up his bible and suit. He joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother-in-law, the late, Rev. Calvee Cooper. JC was a dedicated member and deacon until his health started to decline.
On April 29, 1995, JC united in holy matrimony with Mary Lee Stubbs, who as a loving and devoted wife, stood faithfully by his side to the very end.
JC was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; daughter, Juanna Jones Alexander; granddaughter, Alexandria Nicole "Allie" Cooper; sister, Jennie Jones Ward; and four brothers: Fred Jones, Edward "Ham" Jones, Johnny Jones, and William Louis Jones Jr.
JC leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 31 years, Mary Lee Jones; sons: Michael (Natalie) Jones Sr., Phoenix, AZ; James C. (Linda) Jones, Fenton, MO; Paul Jones and Patrick Jones, Pine Bluff, AR; Gregory Jones, Warren, AR; daughters: Jennifer Jones, Monrovia, CA, and Pauletter Jones, Pine Bluff, AR. Bonus daughters: Alfredia (Jeffery) Cooper, Redfield, AR; Vernita (Wayne) Thompson, Pine Bluff, AR; Alverdia (Addison) Evans, North Little Rock, AR, and Veronica Avery, Pine Bluff, AR. In addition, his memories are cherished by his two sisters: Classie Clark, North Little Rock, AR, and Jeanne Cooper, Redfield, AR, 46 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also, he leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
One of JC's favorite scriptures was, (KJV) Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Visitation 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Friday, June 12, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Service will be held 2:30 PM Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Grant County, AR. Interment in Redfield Cemetery, Redfield, AR by Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff.
Obituary submitted by the family.
