James A. Jones

James (Jim) A. "Buddy" Jones, Jr. of Tucker, GA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2017. He was 84 years old.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Embry Hills United Methodist Church in Chamblee, Ga. from 11 am to noon, followed by a light reception from noon to 1pm at the church. In addition, the family will receive visitors the same afternoon, Wednesday, from 4pm – 6pm at AS Turner & Sons funeral home in Decatur, Ga. Refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy would be preferred.

He is survived by: his wife of 43 years, Dorothy M. Jones; his children, Evan G. Jones, married to Cyndie S. Jones, Jason N. Poulos, married to Donna B. Poulos, and Brett P. Ford, married to Dustin E. Ford; his three grandchildren: Bryce Jones, and Nicholas and Alyssa Poulos; and his siblings, Laura Ann Motter and Marion Jones. He is preceded in death by his sibling, Betty Cook, who passed in April of last year.

Jim was born Jan. 18, 1933 in Smyrna, GA to Annie Mae and James "Jimmy" Jones, Sr. He attended Marietta High School, where he was a standout, multi-sport athlete and student, and he was chosen as "Mr. Marietta High School" by his teachers and fellow students.

Jim went on to attend Georgia Tech on a full football scholarship and to play football for Coach Bobby Dodd, playing in two Sugar Bowls, one Orange Bowl, and one Cotton Bowl. He played both offensive and defensive end, and the Sugar Bowl of 1953 rendered the Yellow Jackets a National Championship win over Ole' Miss. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating from Tech, he served in the U.S. Army for two years, where he was stationed in Alaska.

After a stint in the Corps of Engineers, Jim worked thereafter for Simons-Eastern Company of Decatur, Georgia, an engineering company specializing in paper mills, until his retirement in 1993. Afterward, he worked as a consultant for Kimberly-Clark for a short period of time.

Jim was known for his easy manner and unassuming charm, qualities that endeared him to all. Those patient few who indulged his characteristic long pauses were usually rewarded with nuggets of pragmatism or a well-placed quip. He was a dutiful and caring husband, father, and grandfather, and the equanimity he displayed in all of these roles can be an enduring example to all of us.

When those who knew him think of words to describe to him, kindness, compassion, care, and sympathy jump to mind, while vanity and self-interest never played a role with him. This world is richer for having had him as a player, and much poorer for the loss of such a wonderful man.

His family and friends wish him Godspeed.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.




Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033