Jones, James Garner

(aka Jim, Jonesy, Jamie, Jimmy)
1950-2024
Jim was born November 3, 1950 in Lethbridge, AB to Jim and Hazel Jones. He is survived by his wife Eileen (ne Barry)Jones, his two sisters, Gerry (Slim) Scharff and Lynn (Art) Dyck, and his sons Chris (Yolanda) and Jesse (Dana).  
The family moved to Calgary in 1957, and Jim graduated from Ernest Manning H.S. and
UofC with degrees in Phys.Ed. and Education. 
His love of sports and the outdoors guided his life, active in playing and coaching dozens of activities. In 1972, he married Eileen Elizabeth Barry, and Jim embraced becoming a part of the huge, slightly crazy Barry clan. They went on to have three beautiful boys; Chris (1973-), Jesse (1977-), and Caleb (1978-’97) while living in Calgary, Bragg Creek and Priddis areas.
Jim started teaching and coaching in 1972 in Calgary, as well as taking many life-changing outdoor trips that inspired students and built their self-esteem. 
In 1978, Jim took a break from teaching and became a self-taught cabinet maker, receiving his journeyman’s certificate from SAIT. He went back to teaching at FCHS in Okotoks in 1984, building a successful cabinet making program there, and coaching many sports for 23 years. 
Along the way, Jim developed a passion for wood-turning on the lathe that would endure as he evolved into a world class artist, creating some incredible, collaborative art pieces with Eileen. His mastery became evident as he shared his talents with others, demonstrating his techniques through schools, Calgary and Lethbridge Clubs, The International WoodTurners Symposium in Texas, and a guest appearance in Orange County, California.   
He loved coaching all sports, but basketball was always his favorite. He coached all three of his boys and countless others, creating bonds of  love and respect with many young men and their families in the Okotoks area.
Jim retired from teaching fulltime in 2006, and he and Eileen achieved a long-held dream of owning some land, buying an acreage near Claresholm, AB. With a huge shop and many gardens on the acreage, he kept very busy doing various projects, camping, and taking up swimming and NIA dancing as new athletic ventures. 
Jim was so blessed to have his two sons and their wives, Yolanda and Chris, and Dana and Jesse, who he appreciated and loved so dearly, and who gave him six beautiful grandchildren: Joseph, Derek, Elizabeth, Emma,Trey and Lily.  His huge laugh and joy at the family gatherings and parties will be lovingly remembered. 
In 2019, Jim suffered a stroke, and he passed away on February 25, 2024. He was looking forward to seeing his youngest son Caleb and the other family and friends who have gone before. May his next journey be one of joyful adventures and happiness.
Rest in Peace Jimmy Jones.
If desired, donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 
A memorial will be held later in the spring. Replies to the family can be sent to: eenyjones63@gmail.com

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