Johnnie Paul 'JP' Jones

Mr. Johnnie Paul 'JP' Jones, age 86, of Dahlonega, died Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Chestatee Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.

Johnnie was born June 29, 1925 in Gwinnett County and lived the majority of his life in Lumpkin County. He was an Army veteran who served the United States during WWII. Prior to his retirement, JP owned a construction and grading business where he specialized in building lakes and dams. He is credited with building over 110 government flood control dams and was involved in the construction of Lake Lanier.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mrs. Ethel Lou Edwards Jones of Dahlonega, Ga.; a son, Murl Jones and his wife, Sue of Dahlonega; a daughter, Gail Dalton of Roswell, Ga.; one granddaughter, Amy Dittrich and her husband Jeff of Dacula, Ga.; one great granddaughter, Bailey Dittrich of Dacula, Ga.; Sisters Bonnie Lingerfelt of Dahlonega; Mary Lou Gooch and her husband Don of Dahlonega; Brothers Glendon Jones and his wife Claudine of Murrayville, Ga.; Bruce Jones and his wife Gladys of Dahlonega. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

A Memorial service was held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Bethlehem Baptist Church Dahlonega, Ga., where he was a member. Rev. Lyman Caldwell, Rev. Michael Rodgers, and Archie Watkins & Smokey Mountain Reunion officiated the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38106. www.stjude.org

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega was in charge of the arrangements.