James Edward Jones

It is with great sadness but celebration of a long life well lived that we announce the passing of James Edward Jones, a resident of Dahlonega, Georgia, born on March 20, 1926, in Barrow County, Georgia. James departed this life surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, hard work, and dedication to his loved ones.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Zed and Viola Mauldin Jones; his siblings, Dorothy Kate Jones and Roy Tyler Jones; his beloved wife of 50 years, Bessie Maude Brackett Jones.

His memory will be forever cherished by his wife of 25 years and long time friend whom he had known from his early years in Lumpkin County, Corene Edwards Patton Jones; his son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Gloria Jones; his grandson, Gabriel Jones. Survivors include his brother John Loy Jones, sister-in-law Jean Edwards Beck, and many nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran, James served his country in the U.S. Army, showcasing the bravery and commitment that would define his life. After his military service, James embarked on a journey that saw him master many trades. He was a skilled sawyer, heavy equipment operator, foreman, farmer and the best “Papa”.

He worked for many years as a sawyer for Barney Brackett, Emory Brackett, Bob Edwards and Hartwell Ricketts. Working with Leroy Dowdy, Johnny Paul Jones, and Daniel Raines, he used heavy equipment to grade well known areas such as Crown Mountain (Findley Ridge).

Working for the Georgia Senator Erwin Owens and his brother William Owens, owners of Owens Farms, James was a respected foreman for the Hall’s Mill farm (now known as Achasta), the Upper Farm (now known as Sky Country) and the Lower Farm off Auraria Road, overseeing one of the highest egg producers in the US at the time. James managed the 1,200+ acre farm, plowed miles and miles of rows, planted corn, beans, and peas, maintained chicken houses and pastures full of cattle. While foreman, among his notable achievements was the retrieval of the Diving Bell from the Chestatee River, now a historical exhibit at Hancock Park, just off the Dahlonega square.

James was an outdoorsman at heart. An avid overalls wearer and never without a pouch of chewing tobacco, after retiring and moving back to his homestead in Cane Creek, he tamed the land as a master farmer, growing tomatoes, okra, silver queen corn, beans, pumpkins, watermelons, and squash for family and friends. While he was always cursing deer and squirrels for eating their fair share of his grapes, muscadines, peaches, apples and chestnuts, he was quick to tell tales about them coming into his yard. His love for animals shone through as a dog lover and bird dog trainer.

James, A.K.A. “Papa”, spoiled his grandson with Friday catfish nights from The Smith House, a go-cart far too fast for his parent’s liking, trout fishing trips during hot summers, and quail hunts on the coldest mornings. Papa was always ready to share his knowledge of the land and how to farm and hunt. Many times, with his grandson in his lap, he would drive the tractor over the fields, tilling the soil and readying it for the oncoming season. Papa would also take his grandson over the hills in his Jeep Gladiator 4x4 to hunt turkey, deer, and the occasional groundhog.

A graveside service to celebrate James's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Bethlehem-Jones Chapel Cemetery. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by him are invited to share in remembering a man of strong character, warmth, and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you help support our local community by making donations  in James’ name to ConnectAbility (https://connectabilityinc.org/) or Jeremiah’s Place (https://lumpkincountyhomeless.org/).

The family would also like to extend our deepest thanks to the local EMT/EMS and Fire Emergency responders for their help. Special thanks also go to James’ nurse Angie, our family friends, and neighbors who were always there to help when James was in need.

To share memories or condolences with the family visit Mr. Jones' online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com. 

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533