Jesse Elmer Jones, Jr., 77, of Jacksonville, IL died Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

He was born Feb. 7, 1946, in Columbus, GA, the son of Jesse Elmer Jones, Sr. and Rose Marie (McFadden) Jones. He married Linda Kay Fessler on July 5, 2022, in Jacksonville, and she survives.

He is also survived by six children, David Kerley, Atoya Jones-Williams and her partner Michele, Don (Molly) Gimbel, Terry Gimbel, Jessica (Jeremy) Mullens and Joshua (Kathryn) Jones; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; several cousins; and a plethora of other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Shawn Dean Kerley; and his brother, Jack Jones.

Jesse served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1969. After his discharge from the service, he became a jack-of-all trades, master of some. He was a devoted father and grandfather. Jesse went above and beyond to help anyone he could.

The family will host a memorial service 10:00 AM Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at City Church in Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville and Hughes Funeral Alternatives, LLC in St. Louis, MO are assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.