John “Jack” Orson Jones, 99, of Blackfoot, passed away peacefully at his home on May 12, 2018, of natural causes incident to age, surrounded by his family. He lived a long and happy life and is now reunited with his loving wife and eternal companion.
He was born on September 7, 1918, in Cherry Creek, Idaho, a small farming community seven miles south of Malad City, Idaho. Jack was the second of eight children born to John Benjamin and Veda Eggleston Jones. He enjoyed a close association with his family throughout his life.
Jack was only 11 years old when the Great Depression began in October 1929. As a young boy, he helped out on the farm in Cherry Creek to support his family during the nation’s most severe economic crisis. At an early age, he learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, frugality and common sense. These qualities served him well his entire life.
He grew up and attended schools in Cherry Creek and Malad, graduating from Malad High School and LDS Seminary in 1937. After graduation from high school, Jack held various jobs prior to service in the U.S. Army at the age of 25. During this time, he lived in Malad and Ogden, Utah.
On December 15, 1939, he married Ilean Call in Pocatello, Idaho. Their marriage was later sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on February 6, 1965. Jack and Ilean shared a wonderful life together for 72 years before Ilean passed away on April 23, 2012. They were blessed with four children: Jaylene, Jackie, Cary and Blane.
Jack began his military service on June 30, 1944, and was stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah. His basic training took place at Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He served in the 77th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944-1946 and participated in the Southern Philippines and Ryukyus Campaigns.
As an infantry soldier, Jack fought on the front lines and was a flamethrower and sharpshooter. He received a number of awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, one of the military’s highest honors for bravery and heroism. He received his Honorable Discharge at Fort Lewis, Washington, on February 23, 1946.
In May 1960, Jack and his family moved to Blackfoot where he lived in the same house he purchased on Goodwin Drive 58 years ago. He worked more than 30 years for the Idaho Transportation Department in Malad, Pocatello and Blackfoot, where he was the maintenance foreman. He retired in 1979 at the age of 60.
He was a member of The American Legion for more than 50 years and served as Commander of the Blackfoot Stewart Hoover Post 23. He was a patriotic man, loved his country and proudly flew the American flag in his front yard.
Jack was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a High Priest in the Blackfoot 2nd Ward. He served in many callings, including Elder’s Quorum President, Stake Athletic Director, Sunday School Counselor, Scoutmaster and Bishopric. He especially enjoyed his home teaching, temple work and serving in the bishopric.
He lived an active lifestyle, loved being outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing and looked forward to his family camping trips to Island Park and Flaming Gorge. He was an excellent bowler, liked to shoot pool, enjoyed golfing and served many years as Commissioner of the Blackfoot American Legion and baseball programs in the 1960s. Jack tried to attend all of his family’s different sporting events and school activities and was very proud of their accomplishments.
During his retirement years, Jack took great pride in working in his yard, walked every morning and cherished the time he spent with his family. He liked being around people, was a good neighbor and was respected by those who knew him.
Jack lived his life in service to his family, church, country and community. He developed many great friendships throughout his lifetime. He embraced and appreciated the simple things in life. Jack was a kind man, easy going, had a good sense of humor and always worked very hard to make sure his family’s needs were taken care of. He also provided many years of loving care to his wife during her illnesses.
His marriage and life was characterized by enduring faith, remarkable character, quiet dignity and steadfast integrity. Jack brought great strength, dependability and stability to his family. He taught his family many valuable lessons through his hard work and example. Jack was an extraordinary man, a devoted and loving husband and an amazing father. We will miss him more than words can express. The love, guidance and support he gave his family will never be forgotten.
Jack is survived by his four children: Jaylene (John) Walls, Spokane, Washington; Jackie (Chuck) Graham, Blackfoot; Cary Jones, Blackfoot; Blane Jones, Blackfoot; one sister: Edna Thorpe, Layton, Utah; and two sisters-in-law: Barbara Jones, Malad, Idaho and Jeanne Jones, Washington Terrace, Utah.
He was a proud grandfather and is also survived by two grandchildren: Jaimie (Cade) Rindfleisch, Idaho Falls; Brandon (Summer) Jackman, Blackfoot and 11 great grandchildren: Sage, Carter, McKay, Ella, Crew, Trindon, Britton and Eisley Rindfleisch and Raegan, Dawson and Lexi Jackman.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ilean; his parents, John and Veda; three brothers: Woodrow, Bill and Gerald; three sisters: Donna Jones Wilde, Fern Greer and Melba Bloxham; and a grandson, Russell Hill.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Blackfoot 2nd Ward LDS Chapel, 660 Teton Road, Blackfoot, with Bishop Ken Spencer conducting. The family will meet with friends and family at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 South Shilling Avenue, Blackfoot, May 17 from 6-8 p.m. and again for one hour prior to services at the church.
Burial will be in the Malad City Cemetery at 3 p.m., with military graveside honors by the American Legion, Ernest W. Jones Post 65.
The Jones family would like to thank the many co-workers, ward members, neighbors, friends and relatives who played an important part in Jack’s life. We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation for the love, support, thoughts and prayers offered in our behalf during this difficult time.
Our special thanks to the outstanding healthcare professionals, dedicated staff, and devoted caregivers who provided wonderful and compassionate care to Jack throughout the years, including: the Blackfoot Medical Center, Blackfoot Home Health & Hospice, Heartwork Connections and Bingham Memorial Hospital. This loving and caring support enabled him to live comfortably at home, with peace and dignity, even as he faced life’s challenges and trials of growing older.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hawker Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Morning News on May 16, 2018