James Jones

James Garrett Jones, known to many as "Jonesy The Crossman", went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, April 11, 2023, in Cabool, Missouri. James was born to the late Amos Colburn and Betty Sue (Beck) Jones on August 14, 1954, in Cabool, Missouri. He was 68 years, 7 months, and 28 days of age.

James grew up in Cabool and graduated with the Cabool High School Class of 1973. He was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Evelyn Hastings, on March 28, 1975, and two daughters were born to this union.

James worked as a handyman, painter, and janitor for several years in the Cabool Area. In 1996, he began working for the City of Mountain Grove as a meter reader, in the Water Department. He dearly enjoyed his job, meeting and talking to folks as he read his meters. He retired in 2015. During this period of time, "Jonesy" began working for a company, setting up concerts with his "roadie" buddies for entertainers in Springfield and surrounding area. Through this experience, James met a very dear friend, Brad Dittmer. James was able to share the Gospel with celebrities and musicians during this time. Once, professional boxer Leon Spinks came to James and Evelyn's home to visit, where to this day, you can find the boxer's signature on the doorway leading from the living room to the kitchen.

In 1993, James began to run to get into shape. It began as a jog down the street, to running from Cabool to Mountain Grove and back. He didn't stop there. In his own words, "You Gotta Keep Pushin", which he did, by eventually running several marathons, including the Boston Marathon, St. Louis Marathon, Cowtown Marathon and many local events. The run that he was probably most known for was his "Historic" 50 mile run from Cabool to Fordland, along Highway 60.

James was known as "The Crossman". He loved to tell folks of God's love for them, as well as offering them one of his hand-made crosses. You could often find him at a High School sporting event or at Walmart, handing out his crosses and telling folks about Jesus. He never met a stranger. Jonesy's crosses have made their way into the hands of countless people across the world. Multiple celebrities, musicians, U.S. Presidents, and even the Pope, have James' crosses. He has record of making nearly 1 million crosses.

Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Evelyn Jones of the home, two daughters, Sarah Burkhart and husband, Chris, of Walnut Grove, Missouri, and Jamie Jones of Euless, Texas, grandchildren, Ryan Burkhart, Madison Burkhart, Samuel Frank, and Sophia Frank, twin brother, Wayne Jones and wife, Shirley, sister, Rebecca Stark, and many other relatives and a multitude of friends across the country that will miss him greatly.

The Jones family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Hospice Compassus, Kabul Nursing Home, and Dr. David Barbe for the kind and compassionate care given to James through his journey home.