James L. "Jim" Jones

Mr. James L. (Jim) Jones, 76, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center.

Born May 23, 1946 in St. Petersburg, FL, Mr. Jones was the son of the late Juni Wyatt Jones and Alice Gertrude Pollwine Jones. Jim served his country with pride during the Vietnam Conflict (1965-1970) as part of the 21st Field Maintenance Squadron of the Alaskan Air Command on Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage Alaska. During his service, he was awarded the following distinctions: The National Defense Service Medal, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, & Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters. It was during this time that Jim would make lifelong friends and meet the love of his life, Gabriele Stephens. The Air Force left an indelible mark on Jim. He lived a life of patriotism. Proud to be an American, he flew the American flag in both his front yard and back yard along with the Air Force flag. In Jim's younger years, he hosted 4th of July events at his house with a full firework display that would rival the quality of what most towns put on these days.

In 1973, Jim along with his father and three brothers began a very successful sheet metal fabrication business on the outskirts of Franklin. Jones Sheet Metal Inc. served the West Georgia and Metro Atlanta areas up until 2008. Jones Sheet Metal employed many of the Jones family, including Jim's three sons (Gary, Eric & Joe) who all went on to become excellent mechanics, welders, and fabricators until their departure from the company to pursue other careers. Jim has built machinery that now exists all over the world from the Kendall Jackson Wineries of California to recycling machines located in many western and European countries.

Survivors include his wife, Gabriele Jones of Franklin; sons and daughters in-law, Gary and Melissa Jones of Franklin, Eric Jones of Newnan, and Joe and Jessica Jones of Roanoke, AL; his siblings, Alice Wells of Franklin, Peggy Johnson of Canton, and Bobby and Kathy Jones of Franklin; sisters in-law, Jennifer Jones of Franklin and Paula Jones of LaGrange; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy and Danny Jones.

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, in the Chapel of Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville.

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The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.