WEST BROOKLYN - James Alphonse Jones, 75, of West Brooklyn, passed away Nov. 1, 2021 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Brooklyn with Father Fronek officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Brooklyn with military rites by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5 at Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with a 3:15 p.m. rosary. Masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home and church.

Jim was born June 23, 1946 in Mendota to Sylvester “Barney” and Hilda (Chaon) Jones. He married the first love of his life, Margarite Pitstick, on Nov. 2, 1968 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville. They had two daughters, Julie and Stephanie. After Margarite’s passing in 1989, Jim fell in love with and married Peggy (Sarver) Montavon on Nov. 19, 1993 and he gained another daughter, Korenna.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Peggy Jones; two daughters, Julie (Mike) Kessinger of Ottawa and Stephanie (Ron) Smith of Peru; one step-daughter, Korenna (Ron Robb) Montavon of Amery, Wis.; nine grandchildren, Brittany, Tiffany, Tyler, Cody, Preston, Steven, Veronica, Ben and Henry; six siblings, Raphael (June) Jones, Judy (Walter) Piller, Sylvester “Butch” (Mary) Jones, Connie (Jerry) Northcutt, Stephen (Janice) Jones and Debbie (Mark) Walter; one sister in law, Janet Jones; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dennis Jones; a great-niece, Charlee Buettner; and his first wife, Margarite Jones.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of Mendota High School and served in the Army Reserves for six years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all those who knew him. He worked on the family farm alongside his brother, Butch and was co-owner of Jones Brother’s Trucking. He loved spending time with his wife, Peggy and with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to fish at his pond and enjoyed taking in the wildlife near his farm. He enjoyed going for rides in his Can-Am alongside his trusty companion, Minnie and going away on weekends spending quality time with his siblings. He loved to talk and would strike up a conversation with anyone he would meet and had a loving heart big enough for the world. When he wasn’t talking with friends and family, you could find him watching his favorite western movies. Jim had a passion for life and will be truly missed by all.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.