Jim Jones 1943-2022

James DeVere “Jim” Jones, 78, of Corning, formerly of Netawaka, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at Holton Community Hospital with family by his side.

He was born July 30, 1943, in Holton, the son of Wayne DeVere and Lillie Belle (Beamer) Jones.

Jim graduated from Sabetha High School and Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and served in Germany, serving from 1967-1971. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Medal.

He worked for 30 years for the State of Kansas, retiring in 1997 as director of operations (a position appointed by the governor) for the Highway Department. After retirement from the State of Kansas, Jim worked for 10 years at The Asphalt Pavement Association (KAPA) as executive director, retiring in March of 2010. During his time at KAPA, he was a member and board member of National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and also worked with the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA). He was a member and served as secretary/treasurer, vice president and president (2009) of State Asphalt Pavement Association (SAPA).

Jim was a member of the Netawaka United Methodist Church, Wetmore American Legion Post 329 and Wetmore VFW. He was a member of National Society of Professional Engineers and Kansas Society of Professional Engineers. Jim was former Mayor of Netawaka for more than 30 years.

Survivors include his two sons, Jason D. Jones (Robyn) of Netawaka and Travis J. Jones (Carolyn) of Corning; 13 grandchildren, Amaris, Sadie, Tamra, Karly, Eve, Turner, Tyler, Amanda, Corey, Dalton, Devon, Addyson and Comyn; a great-grandson, Bronx; a sister in-law, Linda Jones of Topeka; and two brothers-in-law, Raymond Niquette of Woonsocket, R.I., and Keith McCoy of Erie.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. Jim will lie in state Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Netawaka United Methodist Church, Wetmore American Legion or Wetmore VFW, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)