James Jones

DESLOGE -- James R. "Yogi" Jones, 64, of Desloge passed away February 26, 2018, at Mercy Jefferson Hospital. Yogi was born March 9, 1953, in Cantwell, Missouri, to Raymond (Bud) and Betty (Wiess) Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Roger and Steve.

Yogi was a 1972 graduate of North County High School, a retired member of Plumbers' and Pipefitters' Local 562, and served on the Desloge Board of Alderman for 17 years. In the past, Yogi was the Head Flagman at St. Francois County Raceway and was also a member of the chain gang for the North County Raider Football team from 1994-2006. Yogi was also an active member of the Mineral Area Elks.

Yogi is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara (Forshee) Jones; children, Brian (Jennifer) Jones, Kelly (Brady) Rackley, and Robin Bess; granddaughters, Madilynne and Katelynne Jones, Makenzie Bess, and Sophie and Pixie Rackley. He and his granddaughters had a special bond and they always parted ways with "Papa loves you". Also surviving are brothers, Larry (Kathy) Jones, Randy (Connie) Jones; sister-in-law, Sandy Jones; Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kevin and Linda Zeeb, and three special cousins who were like brothers; Dave Bailey, Phil Jones, and Alan Mabery, along with numerous relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. with an Elk's service at 8:30 p.m. The service will be held in the C.Z. Boyer and Son Chapel, Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Randy Murphy officiating and Deacon Kevin Zeeb to assist. Interment will following at Bonne Terre Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Mineral Area Elks, Special Prom or Veteran's program.