James H. Jones

On October 14, 2021 at the age of 73, James Harold Jones slipped away to his Heavenly home. He was born in Booneville, Mississippi on December 8, 1947 to Perry and Lillie Bell Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother- and father-in-law, seven brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Darlene; son Christopher; daughter Kimberly; sisters Lula Iungerich and Wanda Jean Larkin; sisters-in-law Vina Jones, Margaret Jones, and Barbara Callahan; and brother-in-law Glenn Jacobs (Gayle). He left behind numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and many friends. James spent most of his younger years growing up in the Mississippi and Florida areas around the farms. During his teenage years, due to economic hardships, he ended up quitting school around the age of 13 to go work for a paint company. Then, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for three years (with one year being stationed in Germany) and earning his GED during that time. After leaving the U.S. Army, James wanted to further pursue his education and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to attended, then, Lee College. He worked his way through college and, in 1974, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. James then continued his education by earning a Master's degree from the Church of God School of Theology in 1977. In May of 1976, James was introduced to Darlene by a co-worker at Lee College. He left Cleveland for the summer to travel with the Pioneers for Christ team, and upon returning the following August, he found out that Darlene was living next door. Romance was in the air, and after a period dating, they were joined in holy matrimony on April 8, 1977. James and Darlene then returned to San Antonio in September, 1978, and he began a new job at the Baptist Hospital downtown. After 42 years, James decided it was time to retire and finally did so in December, 2019. James received his ministerial license and became an ordained minister with the Church of God in 2010. Over the years, while attending Southside Church of God and, later, Shepherd of the Hills Church of God, he served in several positions and whole-heartedly supported the ministry. James will be remembered by many as a very gentle, kind, loving and caring person. He was always ready to help anyone or just listen if that was what was needed. James didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk. He loved and provided for his family. He will continue to live on in our hearts and minds. Although we are sad and will miss him greatly, we are rejoicing because of the Blessed life that he lived. He has indeed finished his race and has moved on to be in the presence of God, Jesus his Savior and all the splendors of Heaven. What a great reunion is going on in Heaven today. We love and miss you, James. A visitation will be held Friday, October 22, 2021, from 3:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. A chapel service will be on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. in the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. If you wish to sign the guest book or share a memory you may do so by going to www.hurleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home in Devine, Texas.