James Richard Jones, known to his family and friends as Dick and J.R., and lovingly known throughout his community as Santa J.R., passed away at the age of 73 on January 30, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

J.R. was born on October 30, 1952, in Aiken, South Carolina, to Joseph "Joe" Leslie Jones and Joy Ceile Hodge Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Jones and Joy Jones; by his brother, Neil Jones; and by his bonus son, Kevin McAliney.
J.R. is survived by his daughters, Haley (Adam) Dougherty of Columbia, South Carolina, Ryanne (Chris) Shaw of Madison, Alabama, and Rebecca (Nicholas) Kirk of Scottsboro, Alabama; and his grandchildren, Jack Dougherty, Grace Dougherty, Cate Dougherty, Evan Kirk, Harrison Shaw, and Reagan Shaw.

He is also survived by his sister, Leslie Jones of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and brothers, Jeff (Karrie) Jones of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, and Ted (Charlene) Jones of Salley, South Carolina; his life partner, Lynette McAliney of Mountain Home, Arkansas; his bonus children, Jessica (Robert) Hogard, John McAliney, and Kayla McAliney, all of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and their grandchildren, Braxton Hogard, James Hogard, McKenzie Hogard, Addison Todd, Dane McAliney, and Blair McAliney.

J.R. grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and was a graduate of Orangeburg High School, class of 1971. After graduation, J.R. proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, having graduated from Parris Island boot camp in 1971. Following his military service, J.R. built a successful career as an engineer, working on projects across the country and abroad. J.R.'s work ethic, intelligence, and dedication were evident to all who worked alongside him.

Noted for being a proud member of the Masons and Shriners. Noble James R "JR" Jones joined the Masonic Lodge #359 of Scottsboro, Alabama. Later joined the Cahaba Shrine in Scottsboro, Alabama on February 20, 1998. He valued the brotherhood and service they represented.

Above all else, J.R. loved his daughters and grandchildren. J.R. found great joy in FOX NEWS, photography, fishing, NASCAR, and major league baseball. J.R. also became ordained and officiated both his bonus daughters' weddings. J.R.'s greatest passion was his role as Santa Claus, which he embraced wholeheartedly for his Mountain Home community, having completed his last role as their Santa Claus in the Mountain Home's Christmas Parade on December 5, 2025.

James Richard Jones will be remembered for his kind heart, positive spirit, deep love for family, and his ability to make others smile. J.R.'s legacy of love, service, and joy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

J.R. will be laid to rest in his family cemetery in Salley, South Carolina, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at the Mountain Home First Assembly of God Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:30PM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.