James Arthur Jones, Jr., a beloved husband, father, and dedicated public servant, passed away on February 17, 2025, in Kihei, Hawaii. He was 71. Born on August 25, 1953, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to James Arthur Jones and Doris Ruth Kornacki, Jim lived a life marked by service, community involvement, and unwavering devotion to his family.

His childhood, shaped by a military family’s nomadic lifestyle, instilled in him adaptability and a broad perspective. Settling in Washington state, he found his anchor, meeting Debbie, the love of his life, at Peninsula College. Jim and Debbie were married on June 22nd, 1974, in Port Angeles. He then earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington, followed by a distinguished two-year service in the Air Force at McCord Air Force Base, and later, an MBA equivalent in Community Bank Management from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jim’s career mirrored his commitment to Clallam County. He served 17 years at First Federal Savings and Loan, rising to Senior Executive the last 12 years with First Federal, followed by nine years as Executive Director of Business and Operations for the Port Angeles School District, and 12 years as the Administrator of Clallam County. He retired in 2018, leaving a legacy of dedicated service.

Retirement brought Jim a new chapter filled with both relaxation and passionate engagement. He enjoyed countless rounds of golf, traveled extensively with Debbie, their daughter Jodie, and cherished friends, and savored daily naps in his favorite armchair. However, his retirement also ignited a fervent dedication to civic duty in the digital realm. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility to his fellow humans, he became a self-proclaimed “Facebook warrior,” sharing meticulously researched insights to combat misinformation and promote informed discourse amongst his friends and any circles he touched. His passion for informed discourse was evident to all who followed his online presence.

Jim’s retirement also allowed him to deepen his connection with his daughter, Jodie, her partner Trevor and her bonus children, Jack and Liesl, who all live in Kirkland. He cherished every moment spent with them, becoming a beloved grandfather figure. He relished the opportunity to engage in lively, hours-long discussions with Trevor, exploring every topic under the sun and forming a close bond. He delighted in watching Jack and Liesl grow, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories. His presence brought joy and warmth to their lives, and he embraced his role as a cherished member of their family.

Jim’s dedication to his community was evident in his extensive involvement. He served on the Olympic Medical Center Foundation, maintained a 37-year perfect attendance record with the Port Angeles Nor’Wester Rotary Club and served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Port Angeles Roughriders Hall of Fame Committee. For 40 years, he volunteered as treasurer for numerous civic groups and organizations.

A passionate athlete, Jim played competitive men’s fastpitch for over a decade and participated in recreational leagues. He later channeled his love of sports into coaching his daughter, Jodie, primarily in fastpitch softball. He was immensely proud of Jodie’s achievements, including her softball career at Northwood University and her induction into Northwood Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2024 and the Port Angeles Hall of Fame class of 2025.

Jim was a man among men, a mentor, and a friend to many. He was known for his kindness, compassion, and willingness to actively listen and offer advice. He was a captivating storyteller, even if he occasionally embellished his tales. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father. His proudest moments were marrying Debbie, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary by taking a cruise to Alaska last June, and watching his daughter Jodie grow up and build her own family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Jones; his daughter, Jodie Jones; his sisters, Judi Jones, Valerie Jackson, and Kim Cyr; and his brothers, Tyler Jones and Lou Kwisnek. He was preceded in death by his father, James Arthur Jones; his mother, Doris Ruth Kornacki; his stepmother, Darleen Anne Jones; and his brother, Michael Anthony Jones.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, April 11th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with programming beginning at 2pm, at the Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles, Washington.