James Earl Jones, a beloved son and cherished community member of Lebanon, Ohio, has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born on August 17, 1970, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Gary Don Jones and Sheila Dianne Russell, James, affectionately known as "Jimbo" or "Bo," was a dedicated individual who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Jimbo was passionate about the outdoors, spending much of his time hunting and fishing, activities that brought him immense joy. However, his greatest pride came from coaching his son, Bodie, in baseball. He was deeply involved in the sport, serving as a coach at DeSoto Grade School and various independent ball teams. His commitment to his son’s baseball career was so strong that he decided to step back from playing slow-pitch softball, despite being selected for the all-state team, to focus entirely on coaching.
Professionally, Jimbo worked as the director of maintenance at Home Rentals, where he was highly valued by his company. Even during his illness, the company provided unwavering support, reflecting the strong relationships Jimbo had built with his coworkers.
Jimbo is survived by his son Bodie Jones and his stepdaughter Hannah Clark, along with his mother Sheila Dianne Russell. He also leaves behind his sisters, Micki Moon of DeSoto, Tammy Coffer of Evansville, Indiana, and Chrissy Bittner of DeSoto, as well as his close friends Phil Bullar and Dustin Swain. Numerous nieces and nephews, including Cody Moon, Amy Wece, Levi Coffer, and others, mourn his passing.
In honor of Jimbo’s memory and his concern for children battling illness, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, was a cause close to Jimbo’s heart.
The family also expressed their deep gratitude to the nurses and technicians on the fourth floor of Carbondale Memorial Hospital for the extraordinary care they provided during Jimbo’s final days.
A celebration of Jimbo’s life will be held at the Carbondale Elks Lodge on August 16, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM, where friends and family are invited to share memories and honor his remarkable life.