<p>James Jones, who served three terms as Shelby County sheriff from 1991 until 2003, died Friday from cancer. He was 71 years old.</p><p>His death was announced in a statement from the sheriff's office.</p><p>A native of Columbus, Ga., where his father was a highway patrolman, Jones spent 29 years with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, beginning in 1974.</p><p>District Attorney Robby Owens said Jones was a "strong person, strong leader and he had strong values. He was a close personal friend of mine, and I will miss him dearly, professionally and personally."</p><p>His survivors include his wife, Debbie, and a son, Buck Jones, of Columbiana.</p><p>Visitation is scheduled for 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday at the Church at Brook Hills in Shelby County with services at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the same location.</p><p>___</p><p>Information from: The Birmingham News</p>
