On September 16, 2024, after 89 years of life on this earth, Jess Ellis Jones moved to his new home and new body to be with Jesus in heaven. He had resided for 46 years in Odessa, Texas with his wife Barbara. They were married for 71 years and have six children: Karen Cowley (Marshall), Guthrie, OK; Diane Pharr (Richard), Gordon, TX; Jess Jones Jr (Jennie), Kansas City, MO; Terry Jones (Deedra), Benbrook, TX; Kevin Jones (Delaine), Odessa, TX; and Joyce Brookshire (Gary), Odessa, TX. They also have 15 grandchildren and 19 (soon to be 20) great-grandchildren.
Jess was born on August 7, 1935, in McPherson, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Glenn and Helen Katherine (Wilson) Jones and his two brothers and seven sisters.
Jess was raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from high school in 1953. He fell in love with Barbara Driggers from nearby Clyde and they were married on September 17, 1953. After living in Texas for a couple of years, they moved to Sidney, Nebraska, where Jess pursued a career in the oilfield industry which spanned the next 55+ years. His work opportunities required family moves to Gering and Gurley in Nebraska, and then in 1969 to Chase, Kansas. In 1978 they made their way back to Texas when they moved to Odessa where he finished his career as a salesman. For a few years after retirement, he worked part time at funeral homes, including Sunset Memorial.
Jess was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Odessa and various other Baptist churches throughout his life. He had a passion for sports and spent many summers coaching his sons’ baseball teams. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid fan of the Permian Panthers, Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. But his greatest passion and love was for his wife and family, especially when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along. He would brag about them to anyone who would listen. His outgoing personality allowed him to touch the lives of many over the years, and he will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, on September 28th, 2024, in the chapel at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home located at 6801 E. Business 20 in Odessa, TX.
The family of Jess wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Brookdale Senior Living and Interim Hospice for their loving care during the past several weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home
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