James Lewis Jones

James Lewis Jones was born on June 4, 1942, in Charleston, SC, to Ebb Jones and Evelyn Kales Jones. Jim was called home by the Lord on April 18, 2024, in Conroe, Texas. As one of five siblings, he spent his childhood in Rockingham, NC. In 1958, his family moved to Wheaton, IL.

He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1961 where he was an outstanding basketball player. His team played in the Illinois State Championship in 1961 which led to a scholarship to South Texas Junior College in Houston, TX. In 1963, STJC was ranked number five in the nation. Jim led the team in the National Junior College Tournament, broke a rebound record with 27 rebounds in the game, and was named an All-American candidate. In the fall of 1963, Jim accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Houston under Coach Guy Lewis where he was a starter for two years.

While playing semi-pro basketball in 1966, he was drafted into the US Army. During his tour in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with V for valor. Upon returning from Vietnam, he married his college sweetheart, Dianne Alberth in 1967 and completed his degree while serving as a graduate assistant under Coach Lewis.

Jim had a passion for educating young people. He and Dianne soon embarked on a new adventure to run a school for Brown & Root in the Dominican Republic. After returning to the United States, Jim began his own coaching career at Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown. He would later earn a Master's of Education Degree from Stephen F. Austin University. In 1979, Jim and Dianne relocated to Conroe with their two daughters, Jessica and Holly, and for 24 years they shaped the lives of hundreds of children at Little Peoples School.

Becoming a scuba diver introduced family vacations in Grand Cayman which continued for over twenty years. Hunting was a lifelong endeavor for Jim, especially at his ranch. Gardening was a passion for Jim. His green thumb was legendary. Upon his retirement in 2003, he devoted himself to gardening and becoming a Master Mason at San Jacinto Lodge 106 in Willis, TX.

As a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, he was a faithful follower of Christ and a friend to all. He was a proud “PaPa” to his granddaughter, Ainsley. Jim will be remembered as the life of the party, his affinity for Hawaiian shirts, and his BBQ skills. He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Robert; and his younger sister, Merle. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dianne; daughter, Jessica Horvath and husband Randall of Bryan, TX; daughter, Holly Jones of Coleman, TX; granddaughter, Ainsley Horvath of Bryan, TX; sister Jennifer Henderson of Easley, SC; and William Jones of Rockingham, NC. A viewing will be at Eickenhorst Funeral Services, 12412 FM 2854 Rd., Conroe, TX, from 6-8 pm on Thursday, April 25th. Friday, April 26th, visitation will begin at 10 am followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 am at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2100 Tickner, Conroe, Texas. Reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church (stmarkconroe.org) or Operation Red Wing Foundation (orwfoundation.org).

For those wishing to view the livestream:

The livestream link for the funeral service is below:

https://youtube.com/live/6xTckEBR0I0