Mr. James Jones

Obituary For Mr. James Jones

James (Peabody) Jones was born on October 12, 1934 to the late James Jones Sr. and Essie Mae Sauls Jones in Valdosta, Georgia. He and his older sister, Eurdice ‘Doll’ Jones, were raised by their maternal grandmother, Joella Sauls, and lived on Thomas Street. He was baptized at an early age at First Antioch Baptist Church. Growing up James loved spending time in the country with his Uncle Enoch Williams in Barrett on his farm.

Learning to drive at an early age, James spent a lot of time driving his favorite Uncle, Willie Sauls, around Georgia and Florida as well as helping his Grandmother with domestic duties. He was always a hard worker. He graduated from Dasher High School and maintained friendships with classmates for over 70 years.

James was blessed to meet the love of his life, Mary Phillip Rayford, while in high school. They were united in holy matrimony in a lifelong unbreakable bond that lasted over 67 years, until her death in January 2022. Their love and commitment to marriage was a model to others of what could be achieved with faith, work and God’s guidance. James and Mary were a team. Born to their union were three children, Larry, Winsome Marie, and James Bernard.

Upon moving to Cleveland, Ohio in the mid 1950’s, James was hired at J and L Steel (which became LTV steel) where he was employed his entire work life with one company. In the early years at the steel mill, when layoffs would occur, James would supplement his income by painting houses with Mr. Kilpatrick.

Moving to the Glenville area of Cleveland, James raised his family in close proximity to his sister Eurdice’s family which included his Grandmother Joella Sauls. The Cousins: Tyrone, Carolyn, Larry, Johnny, Winsome, Bernard and Junior were raised together under the watchful eye of Mama Sauls. Frequent family celebrations came to include 5 generations.

James would spend his down time with his buddies, meeting at the Shell gas station on 123rd and St. Clair, owned by one of his best friends Mr. Jim Claytor, to discuss cars and the topics of the day.

As a father, James instilled in each of his children a strong work ethic. He stressed education and would often tell them to go study while he did the dishes after dinner. Everybody in the house had chores. Every Saturday he annoyingly woke up everyone at 7 am (even those kids visiting overnight for a sleepover) to start household duties. As supportive as he was in all aspects of his family’s life, he was also as impatient as anyone you would ever meet. He would travel from Georgia to Ohio for a week’s visit, but after 3 days he would tell Mary, “everybody’s doing fine and it’s time for us to go home.” Even in his final days, he would give hospital workers and airline employees a fit to get things done as he saw fit.

As a Grandfather, he loved his grandchildren. He spoiled them and treated them like princes and princesses on vacation. His children would look at each other and say, “Who is that man?”

For 30 years, James had always said he wanted to retire and return to Valdosta and live out in the country, remembering the days of his youth. In 1991 he fulfilled his dream, James and Mary returned to Valdosta, building a house in Barrett on Williams Road, with an outside (man cave) porch where he would sit for hours in contentment. They re-established cherished relationships with family and friends as well as welcoming visits from their Cleveland family. They became members of New Zion Christian Center.

James departed this life on Tuesday September 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jones; devoted sons, James Bernard Jones and Judge Larry Jones; older sister, Eurdice Hunt; younger brothers, Johnnie Vickers Jr. and Bert (Esther) Vickers.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving daughter, Winsome Jones Gaines (Tyrone) and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jones both of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, LaToya Jones (Morris), Larry Jones II (Natia), Radin Mason, and Stephanie Adams, all of Cleveland, OH; great grandchildren, Ciarra Price, Jordan Adams, London Jones and Michaela Jones, all of Cleveland, OH; sister-in-law, Ruby Shaw of Miami, FL, Rev. Violet Ewell (Harold) of St. Louis, MO, Betty Mumford (Earl), Sherry Matchett, and Catherine Wright, all of Valdosta, GA; brother-in-law, Harry Rayford of Thomasville, GA, Willie Rayford, John Rayford (Essie), Elijah Rayford, all of Valdosta, GA; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, Church family and devoted friends.

A celebration on life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 A. M. at New Zion Christian Center with Rev. Robert Faulk, presiding and Rev. Norman Edward, officiating. The burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

If you are unable to attend the service please join us on scottandrobertsmortuary.com to witness the home going services of Mr. Jones