James Jones

James (Jim) Owen Jones entered into the presence of God on August 30, 2024. He was born October 31, 1944, in Pocatello, Idaho, one of two children born to Owen and Mary Jones. He graduated from Billings West High School in 1961. Jim married Kathy Swift on April 17, 1972 in Billings, MT. They enjoyed five decades together and were blessed with seven children.

On April 6, 1970, Jim encountered Christ. From that point on, he was entirely dedicated to the Lord. Jim filled diverse roles in pursuing a life of faithful service: Early on, he was both a street minister and traveling evangelist. He ran New Hope Outreach Drug and Alcohol Center and pastored at Full Gospel Revival Tabernacle in Billings, Lighthouse Church of God of Prophecy in Laurel, and Heritage Christian Center in Billings. He spent many years leading bible studies in his home, church, and at the Billings jail and visiting hospitals and retirement centers. He also worked in the community as a contractor for 17 years, laying an occupational foundation for several of his children and employing many trying to rebuild their lives.

But ministry wasn't only a portion of Jim's life- his entire life was his ministry. In everything, he aimed to accomplish two goals: to love God and to love his neighbor. He was a man of deep faith and prayer and a great listener. He was always ready with an appropriate Bible verse and teaching, a skill both gifted by the Lord and bolstered through innumerable hours spent in the Word and praying in the Holy Ghost. He loved deeply, quietly, and with action, meeting people's spiritual or material needs faithfully and sacrificially. In his children and grandchildren's lives, he was not only an incredible spiritual example and steadfast presence, but also a reliable intercessor, audience, meal sharer, card game partner, and occasional jokester. He loved a good post-meal nap, often wore hats that he dubbed “conversation starters” with messages of Jesus, and had a quiet and keen sense of humor.

Jim's life embodied the heart and humility of God in his patience toward people, not being willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and share in eternal life. He knew that no person is too far gone or has done too much to come to the Lord and his actions showed it. He was uncompromising in truth, yet without harshness. Jim has finished his course beautifully as salt and light and has now received his greatest desire- to be with the Lord forever.

He is survived by daughters Rebekah (Tom) Yarnall and Rachel Jones; sons Josiah (Jenn) Jones, Timothy Jones, Joshua (Jenna) Jones, Michael (Jen) Jones, and Steven Jones; 25 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister Ida Mae Whittet, and various extended family.

Those preceding him in death include his wife Kathy Jones and parents Owen and Mary Jones.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 3 at 10:30 at New Life Church; 3950 Temple Pl, Billings, MT. Reception to follow.