Hosea “James” Jones, age 90, of Cornelia, Georgia, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, 
June 13, 2023, after a courageous long-fought battle with cancer. As he is now being cared for by the greatest physician of all, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his family, and friends greatly rejoice.
Born in Anderson, SC, on May 29, 1933, he was the son of Charles William Herbert Jones and Mary Magdline May Jones. When he and his twin brother turned seven years of age, his family relocated to Turnerville, Georgia. During their youth, as the brothers roamed and played in the woods, creeks, and pastures near their home, the community became very acquainted with the Jones twins. Instrumental in the twins’ upbringing were special aunts, Ruby May, Belle Gudger, and great-aunt Estelle Underwood Nelson.
After graduation from Clarkesville High School in 1950, he began his employment as a machine operator with Clarkesville Mill. In 1953 he enlisted with the U.S. Army and completed two years of active duty in Korea with the 1st Calvary Division achieving the rank of Specialist-3.
After returning home from Korea in 1955, he resumed his employment with Clarkesville Mill. Additionally, he continued service to his country in the U.S. Army Reserves with an honorable discharge as a Specilist-4 in 1961. Out of a desire to be a better employee and provider for his family, he made the decision to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Piedmont College. He was a proud graduate of Piedmont in 1966. As he continued his career at Clarkesville Mill, he proved to be a stellar employee with a strong work ethic. His final role for the mill was that of Industrial Engineer, retiring after 45 years of loyal service.
From an early age, he and his brother enjoyed spending time at various roller-skating rinks in the community. While visiting a skating rink in Cleveland, Georgia, he met the love of his life, Doris Autry. This romance culminated with 66 years of marriage. Blessings of this marriage included two daughters, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. In the early years of their marriage, skating became a favorite family activity. Enjoyment of skating eventually led him and his wife to open and operate Melody Skateland to allow others in the community to experience the fun of roller skating. While skating was a great pleasure to him an even greater pleasure came from being daddy, granddaddy, and great granddaddy.
Accepting Jesus Christ was the beginning of the most important aspect of his life. He faithfully served at two churches in the community, Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Demorest and Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Turnerville. His roles of service included Sunday School Teacher, song leader, choir member, treasurer, and deacon. His greatest passion was to encourage individuals to ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8).
James was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Maggie Jones; his twin brother, Herbert “Junior” Hanes Jones; and his infant brother, Z.V. Jones.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Doris; his daughters and sons-in-law of Turnerville, Carol Ann and Mike Means; Cheryl and Jimmy Kowalsky; and grandchildren, Jeremy (Tracey) Means of Turnerville; Jai (Brittany) Means of Flowery Branch; Ashley Kowalsky of Turnerville. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Grayson, Ansley, Miken, Reagan, Maeleigh Kate, and Jaiden. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Nix Jones; nieces/nephews, Gail Palmer, Mark Jones, Sam Jones, Michael Jones, and Melissa Madolid and several great nieces and nephews; special family friends, Kela Shirley and Catherine Hobson.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Rev. Billy Burrell and Rev. Tim Holcomb officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Army.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Turnerville, Georgia, or to a favorite charity in remembrance of Hosea “James” Jones.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
