James Henry “Buck” Jones

James Henry “Buck” Jones, age 95, of Jarrell, Texas, peacefully passed away on October 30, 2023.  Buck was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on September 11, 1928, to Henry Lee and Ethel Jewell Jones.

Buck’s family moved to Jarrell, Texas, when he was 11 years old.  He had been known as “Sonny” when in Arkansas but upon arrival in Jarrell one of his classmates gave him the name “Buck Jones” after the movie actor.  This name would stay with him his whole life even to the point that he named his ranch “The Lazy Buck” with a dollar bill sign turned sideways.

 Buck’s father owned the general mercantile store in Jarrell where he worked as a clerk.  Buck served in the United States Navy on the USS General A.E. Anderson where he made 19 crossings from San Deigo to Korea.  He met the love of his life Dorothy Estelle Thomas, also of Jarrell, Texas and they were married on April 2, 1950.  She accompanied him on travels during his military service even when they were stationed on the island of Guam.  Upon returning to home, he was appointed as U.S. Postmaster for the town of Jarrell where he remained until his retirement.  In retirement he devoted his time to Dorothy, and his children and their families.  His love and care of Dorothy has set the standard very high for all.

Buck and Dorothy were very active in the National Postmasters association, Georgetown area Antique Car Club where they traveled around to car show, swap meets, and parades, Woodman of the World, as well as serving on the board of The Jarrell Bank.  Buck is remembered for his love of dancing. His dance card was always full.

Buck’s love of cars can be seen in his meticulous rebuilds of classics from his 1955 and 1956 Chevy’s and his 1954 hot-rod truck which he took to the 1/8 mile drag strip in Little River just a few years ago.  On Sunday you could find him watching (and rewatching) his favorite activity, car racing.  He would spend hours watching NASCAR, Indy Car, and Formula 1.

Buck was proceeded in death by his wife of 62 years Dorothy “Mommie Dot” Estelle Jones, his parents Henry Lee and Ethel Jewell, two sisters Lucille Shell and Ruby Rutherford, and one grandson Phillip Palousek.

Buck is survived by his children Jan Brandon and Danny Sisk, Cheryl Hoiby and husband Matt, James “Jimmy” Jones and wife Pam; and 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Heritage Country Church in Salado, Texas, beginning at 1 p.m.  

 A visitation with the family will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown. 

The graveside services will be the following afternoon at Corn Hill Cemetery in Jarrell at 2 p.m.