James Addison Jones III, 86, died Sunday, June 12th at his home in Lexington, Virginia.
Born June 23, 1929 in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was the son of Lucille Jefferson Hubbard Jones and Raymond Allen Jones, Sr. During World War II, his family moved to Panama City, Florida, where his father ran the Wainwright Shipyard and built Liberty Ships. There he met his wife of 65 years, Eunice “Boots” Jones, when they were thirteen. They enjoyed many sailing dates and social gatherings on the St. Andrews Bay.
Jimmy graduated from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Davidson College in North Carolina, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. After serving in the Strategic Air Command of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he returned to Charlotte to graduate from Davidson and began a career in real estate.
In 1962 the family moved to Coral Gables, Florida where he managed the family’s Belle Isle Court Apartments and then bought and operated the Galen Beach Hotel on Key Biscayne. While in Miami, he served as chairman of the board of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, chairman of the board of the Coral Gables First United Methodist Church, and was one of the founders of the now Palmer Trinity School, where he also served as first chairman of the board.
In 1982, Boots and Jimmy moved to Natural Bridge where he owned and operated Liberty Hill Farm. He was a member and former elder of Lexington Presbyterian Church. Always a friend of the arts and restoration, he served as the first treasurer of Lime Kiln Arts, was treasurer of APVA for many years, and he was a Friend of Poplar Forest. He also served as secretary of Business Opportunities for the Blind in Richmond for over twenty years and was a member of Natural Bridge Ruritan Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children, James “Jim” Addison Jones IV (Suzanne) and Melissa Jones Woolf; and his four grandchildren, James Addison Jones V, Whitney Jones Allen (Michael), Charlotte Bea Woolf, Brandt Allen Woolf; and a brother, Robert Hubbard Jones.
His family will forever remember his quick wit, intellect, business acumen, and his ability to recall the incredible stories of his life.
A memorial service will be conducted at Lexington Presbyterian Church on Friday June 17 at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Rockbridge Area Health Center. Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home.