James "Jim" E. Jones (1928-2019)

JONES, IVES

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 6/2/2019 at 17:31:24

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

James (Jim) E. Jones, 90, of Ames passed away May 28, 2019 at the Households of Bethany in Story City.

Born on August 3, 1928 in Malcom, Iowa, Jim was the son of Clifford and Elverna Jones. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1946. He was united in marriage to Ruth Mary Ives on December 24, 1950 at the Presbyterian Church in Rolfe, Iowa. He earned a BA degree in math and science and an MA degree in physics from Iowa State Teachers College (ISTC), now known as the University of Northern Iowa. He taught high school math and science in Gladbrook, Iowa and Toledo, Iowa. He also served as a high school principal in Toledo. In 1957, Jim moved his family to Ames, where he taught physics at Ames High School for 33 years. After retiring from Ames High, he taught physics part-time at Iowa State University for two years. During the early years in Ames, he spent several summers continuing his education at the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University. He eventually earned his PhD in Science Education at Iowa State University in 1972.

Jim had a life-long love of music. He played clarinet in the high school band and, during those years, played clarinet and saxophone in a dance band. At ISTC, he played clarinet in both concert and marching bands. In the mid-60s, Jim bought a small home organ which he played “for my [his] enjoyment”. His wish for an even better instrument—which he eventually got—led to Jim and Ruth becoming representatives for Wersi Music selling electronic pianos, keyboards, and organs. More importantly, it led to many trips to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where they made lifelong friends as they attended keyboard events with classes and concerts.

Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling, camping, and hiking with his family. He was interested in photography and loved flowers. What Jim loved the most was time with his family and extended family, including a brother and his wife, brothers-in-law and their wives, nieces and nephews.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons Donald (Simona) of Austin, Texas and Ronald (Georgina) of Melbourne, Australia. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald; and sister-in-law, Gylena.

Visitation with family will be Thursday, June 6, 2019 from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Adams Funeral Home. Memorial services will be Friday, June 7, 2019 at Collegiate Presbyterian Church at 11 A.M. followed by a luncheon at the church. Graveside services will be held at Ames Municipal Cemetery after the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bethany Life Choices or Ames Choral Society.

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen