James Sidney Jones, III

James Sidney Jones III, 87, of Portsmouth, Virginia, laid down his working tools and passed away on July 5, 2024. Jimmie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elisabeth “Bettie” Best Jones, and his sons, James Sidney Jones IV (Deborah), Jeffrey Douglas Jones, and Richard Timothy Jones. He is also survived by grandchildren, Tyler Watson (Brian), Nicole Jones, Amy Prillaman, Jeffrey Douglas Jones II (Manvitha), Zachary Ryan Jones (Lindsay), and Leanne Elisabeth Jones. Survived by great-grandchildren Ashton Prillaman, Brylee Prillaman, Jase Prillaman, Savannah Watson, and Lainey Watson. He is survived by his sister, Cora Mae Cook (Jack), niece, Debbie Cook, nephew, Dan Cook, and brother-in-law, James Riley Best III. Jimmie was born in Cradock and graduated from Cradock High School in 1955. He joined the Coast Guard Reserves while in high school and served 41 years. After graduating high school, he entered the apprentice school at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and worked there for several years. Then, he obtained employment with the Supervisor of Shipbuilding and worked in both Portsmouth and Newport News offices. Jimmie spent the remainder of his career with SupShip until his retirement as a Contracting Officer in April 1995. Jimmie was a member of the following organizations, benefiting the local community: National Contract Management Association – Past President, Centenary United Methodist Church, Seaboard Lodge #56, AF & AM Senior DeMolay from Portsmouth Chapter and was awarded the Chevalier Degree, Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter #11, Portsmouth Commandery #5, Portsmouth Scottish Rite, Khedive Shriners &; Past President of Portsmouth Shrine Club, Victory Chapter #16 Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Past Worthy Patron. At Retirement, Jimmie and Bettie traveled with the Wally Bynum Airstream Club. They traveled throughout the United States and Canada, & for a few years spent many winters in Florida. In addition to traveling, he loved reading the Newspaper, completing crossword puzzles, and solving Sudoku. Jimmie liked to donate to many different charities, and in his memory, we ask that you please donate to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are as follows: Visitation will be on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 6-8 PM, in Loving Funeral Home. At the beginning of the visitation, an Eastern Star Service and Masonic Rites will be performed. A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM, in Centenary United Methodist Church, with Rev. John Cole, II officiating.