James L. Jones, 87

James L. Jones, 87, of Libby was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2020.

James “Jimmy” was born May 19, 1932, in Beaver, Okla., to Thomas Lee and Cora Edith (Sears) Jones. As a young child, Jimmy moved to southern California with his family, which is where he was raised. At the age of 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from June 1948 to July 1951. He was a gunner in the Navy’s first operational helicopter squadron (HU-1) stationed out of Miramar for a year and then spent the rest of his enlistment stationed on a Naval destroyer (USS Hopewell DD-681) during the Korean War.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Jimmy moved back to California. There, he met the love of his life, Judith Corder. Jimmy and Judy were married in Nevada on Aug. 30, 1955, before establishing their home together in southern California. They moved to Montana in 1970 where Jimmy worked at the Libby Dam as an electrical supervisor, retiring in 1998. They spent 58 wonderful years together and raised six children.

Jimmy’s stature alone commanded respect, but truthfully he was a big teddy bear and a gentleman through and through. He had a truly kind and loving heart. He taught his children the importance of hard work, but, most importantly, the value of family, time and respect of others. He was a family man and spent countless hours boating and camping with his family. Those who knew Jimmy were honored with his genuine loving spirit.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife Judy in 2013. He also was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jones and Cora Sears Dickerman, as well as his sister, Marilyn West.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Tom Jones (Sue) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; daughter, Tonsie (Rod) of Libby; son, Tim Jones (Mary) of Foresthill, Calif.; daughter, Tina Carlock (John) of Libby; son, Ted Jones of Marysville, Calif.; and son, Tracy Jones of Marysville, Calif.; and nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jimmy will be greatly missed by his children who find comfort in knowing he is reunited with Judy and they are dancing in heaven. Arrangements are pending for a private family memorial (a celebration of life). Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.