Obituary of James M. Jones

James was born in New York City on October 13, 1959, to Thomas and Elizabeth Jones. He was their fourth child. He passed away after a brief illness on January 18, 2024. Jimmy is reunited in God’s loving arms with his beloved parents and his big brother Tommy. Jimmy was a brother to Jackie (Aggie), Louise Karman (Al), Patrick (Susan), Kevin (Pam), Brian (Lisanne), Mary Rodenas (Jeff), Adrienne, Darren, Christopher, Nicole, Addie, Kamron, and Tamiya. His brother, Tommy (Sharon), predeceased Jimmy in 2006.  

As a child, Jimmy was involved in many activities. This was the time when he established his great love of sports, especially the Yankees, Rangers, and Giants. In these early years he honed his craft of winning arguments with or without the facts. Jimmy loved being a part of this large tribe that wreaked havoc on the streets of Queens. Jimmy also enjoyed being out in nature, a big part of his draw to the Boy Scouts of America.  

After High School, Jimmy began a career of many interesting jobs. Through the years he was a dishwasher, cook, baker, gas station attendant, and a cab dispatcher. But to be sure, his favorite occupation was betting on the ponies and other forms of legal and not so legal gambling. This passion led to many highs and lows. When he was down you knew to stay away but when he was up, he was the most generous person. Never one to save for a rainy day, anyone around him would bask in the fruits of his winnings. In the immortal words of Ralph Kramden: “For two days I had it, and I went with it, too. It came easy and it went just as fast. And that’s the way I’d be if I had it. Easy come, easy go”. That’s how Jimmy approached and lived his life. 

Jimmy never married or had any children but that didn’t stop him from being the fun uncle to all his many nieces and nephews. That is how he came to be known as Uncle Buck, the uncle that allowed you to do things that your parents wouldn’t. All of them looked to him for a funny conversation or some sweets that he was sure to be carrying.  Every party he attended, Jimmy was the center of attention and the reason for laughter. Even more so if he was on a winning streak.

His legacy will be one of being very social and his ability to talk to anyone. Jimmy will be missed by his family and friends. He touched many people with a sharp sense of humor and a fierce loyalty to his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial with be held on Tuesday January 23, 2024, at Maria Regina, Seaford. Interment St. Charles Cemetery.