James Willis Jones

James Willis Jones, 79, of Shuqualak, MS., passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Butler Pentecostal Church near Shuqualak, MS., at 11:00 a.m. Weather permitting graveside services will follow in Butler Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 5-8 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026. Memorials may be made to Butler Pentecostal Church, c/o Clytee Lowery, 6150 Butler Rd, Macon, MS 39341. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

James Willis Jones was a native and lifetime resident of Noxubee County, MS, born on March 6, 1947, to the late Perry Andrew and Zelda Mae Paige Jones. Willis grew up in a household of six brothers and a sister. He attended Shuqualak School and then later Macon High School. He began working at Adcock Tire Service in Macon, MS. On November 27, 1967, he married the love of his life, Rita Eaves, and they made their home in Shuqualak, MS. He began working with his brother Douglas Jones hauling pulpwood and later he started his own pulpwood and logging business. In 1989, he moved on to strictly logging. He worked for Shuqualak Lumber Company, Cooper Marine, Lewis Brothers and finally B & G Wood. Willis remained with this company until his retirement.

Willis was a faithful member of Butler Pentecostal Church, having served on the board of trustees for many years. He was always the first one at church, unlocking doors, turning on the lights and many sure the temperature was comfortable. Willis loved church! He could be found at the alter working the ones there by praying over them. Willis enjoyed going to the mountains with his family and friends and working in his yard but always his most favorite thing to do was going to church. His family states that he was a man of his word, he believed in faithfulness and he believed in being on time! He adored his wife, Rita. He was known on the CB radio by his radio handle: “32”. He will be sorely missed by his family and his friends. Willis is preceded by his parents, and two brothers, Douglas Jones and Billy Joe Jones.

Willis is survived by his loving wife, Rita Jones, daughter, Jennifer Druey (Bruce); a son, Bill Jones (Angela); a sister, Sue Higginbotham (Ralph), three brothers, Charles Jones, Junior Jones (Carolyn), and Harvey Jones (Lynn); grandchildren, Daryl Kirkland (Ashley), Justin Jones (Addison), Bailey Wilson (Cash), and Anna Claire Druey; great grandchildren, Slade Kirkland, Kolbea Miller, Kyleighe Ray Jones, and Haddie Layne Jones.