Jack Leland Jones

"The Lord is my shepherd... .and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23

Jack Leland Jones, 80, of Rock Springs, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family after 13 years of a courageous battle with Parkinson disease.

Born April 16, 1928, Jack was a lifelong resident of Kingsport, growing up in the Sullivan Gardens area. He attended McCallie Military Academy until the death of his father, Hal S. Jones. He graduated from Sullivan High School where he was known for his athletic ability, especially his passion for basketball. In 1957 Jack married Helen Louise Riddle, his beloved wife of almost 51 years. They made their home in Rock Springs and attended Rock Springs United Methodist Church.

Jack loved the outdoors, especially being in the woods with his Creator. He loved farming and his John Deere Tractor where many a grandchild rode. Beginning at Bays Mountain, Jack worked 40 years for Tennessee Eastman as an Electrical Engineer, retiring in 1986. He also taught drafting at Northeast State College.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother, Chima Leforna Blakley; grandson, Nicky Wayne Carter; great-grandson, James Carter Dishner; and brother-in-law, J. Carl Riddle.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Helen Louise Jones, who never left his side; one daughter, Teresa Jackie McCann and husband Mike of Kingsport; four sons, Bert R. Carter his caregiver and wife Linda, Kingsport, Judge Steven H. Jones and wife Ginny, Kingsport, David L. Carter and wife Amy, Kingsport, and Thomas Scott Jones of Yuma, VA; brother-in-law, Charles Riddle and wife Jean of Newfoundland, Canada; and special "daughter", Debbie Kestner, who was devoted to the family. Other survivors include grandchildren, Tracy A. Dishner and husband Philip, Kingsport, Stacy R. Carter and wife Ginger, Bluff City, Bradford S. Jones and wife Laura, Kingsport, Carrie L. Conkin and husband John, Kingsport, Dr. Jason A. Jones, New York, Heather M. Easterling and husband Jason, Gray, Wesley B. Jones, Kingsport, Brandon Jones, Yuma, Arizona, Jacob J. W. McCann, Kingsport, Joshua L. McCann, Kingsport, Kylie Jones, Yuma, Arizona, Jamin M. McCann, Kingsport, Lynly S. Jones, Gate City, J. Charlie McCann, Kingsport, and Grace M. Carter, Kingsport; great-grandchildren, Blakley G. Dishner, Kingsport, Presley A. Dishner Kingsport, Elias B. Carter, Bluff City, and Kaiden L. Easterling, Gray; one aunt Beulah Blakley; cousins, Bob Blakley, Lois Shipley, Mary Nash, Freeda Garland, and Elizabeth Blakley.

Jack is also survived by special friends, Ted and Judy Hughes, Paul Chapman, George Bradley, J. Craft Akard, Jackie and Charlie Leonard, and Carolyn Light; and his two "angels", Sandra and Joy Ramsey.

Special thanks to the staff of Mountain Region, especially, Dr. Richard Brandon and his nurse, Amy; and Linda and JoAnn.

Also very special thanks to Wellmont Hospice, especially his "angel", Melissa: and Kristina, Ms. Josie, Ms. Shirley, Ms. Iva, Rebecca, and Susie. Thank you for all the special care you gave our Dad.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Rock Springs United Methodist Church.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Rock Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Joey Manis, Pastor Don McCann, Pastor Bradford Jones, and J. Craft Akard officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be, Stacy Carter, Philip Dishner, Brad Jones, John Conkin, Jason Jones, Jason Easterling, Wesley Jones, Jacob McCann, Jamin McCann, Charlie McCann, Ted Hughes, Paul Chapman, Charlie Leonard, Bob Blakley, and Tommy Riddle.

Honorary pallbearers will be J. Craft Akard, George Bradley, Ralph Ward, and Jim Shaver.

In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, TN 37620; or Rock Springs United Methodist Church, 227 Church View Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664.

"I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
II Timothy 4:7