Roger Maurice Jones

Roger M. Jones, of Dakota Dunes, SD, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 in Sioux City, Iowa, at the age of 97. Roger will be laid to rest next to his wife, Emma at the Czech National Cemetery in Tyndall, SD January 9, 2025. Visitation is 9:30 a.m.; funeral 10:30 a.m. at Tyndall United Methodist Church 1812 Main Street, Tyndall, SD 57066.

Roger was born on November 16, 1927 in Estelline, SD. He was the fifth child born to Richard H. Jones and Mary E. (Jones) Jones. He moved to Bruce with his parents in July 1935, and then to Amherst, SD in the summer of 1938, where he graduated from Amherst High School in 1946. He then enlisted in the United States Army in June 1946 and served in Manila, Philippines for 14 months, attaining the rank of Army Sergeant. Upon return to the United States, he enrolled in college at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Roger graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. After graduating from SDSU, Roger took a position in Tyndall, SD as an instructor of Vocational Agriculture. During this very pivotal year, he met the love of his life, Emma Sejnoha. She happened to be living in the same rental property (AKA boarding house). After a magical evening dancing at Groveland Park Dance Hall, the two were united in marriage three months later on June 9, 1953 in Tyndall, SD. Roger and Emma then moved to Britton, SD, where Roger continued his teaching career through the Spring of 1956. Roger’s career shifted in July, when he took a position with the United States Department of Agriculture as a County Supervisor of the Farmers Home Administration. During his FMHA career, Roger (Emma and family) worked in Gettysburg, McIntosh, Brookings, Mitchell and finally Watertown, SD, retiring May of 1985 as the District Supervisor. Roger did not stay retired for long, as he then opened a private business as an independent contractor doing appraisals and consulting services for another 10 years until 1995. Roger and Emma celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary prior to her passing August 5, 2013. They were blessed with four children: Marvin Roger Jones 1955, Wayne Allen Jones 1957, Randy Lee Jones 1959 and Kristine Marie (Jones) Hall 1971. Outside of his family and career, Roger was an avid sports fan. He excelled in basketball and even played collegiately as a freshman, although decided scholastics to be more important. Roger never missed a game or activity of his children. He belonged to multiple organizations: National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association (NAARF), President of NAARF, VFW and American Legion. He was an active member in his community, volunteering for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Meals on Wheels. Most importantly, he was a leader and longtime member in the First United Methodist Church, giving selflessly. Roger felt that to serve God and your fellow man/woman was the greatest legacy anyone could attain. 

Roger is survived by children: Marvin (Karen) Jones of Prescott, AZ, Wayne (Marcy) Jones of Mitchell, SD, Randy Jones of Sioux Falls, SD and Kristine (Mark) Jones Hall of Dakota Dunes, SD; grandchildren: January Jones, Jina (Tyler) Jones King, Jacey (Briley) Jones Sharping, Tara (Stuart) Jones Bridge, Katy Jones, Mattie (Josh) Jones Hoffman, Samantha Jones and Josephine Jones Hall; great-grandchildren: Xander Jones, Jax Sharping, Camryn Sharping, Drew Sharping, Rowan King, Jackson Jones Caffee, Kaden Jones Caffee, Emma Jones Bridge, Jack Hoffman and Tommy Hoffman; sisters-in-law, Rose Novak and Evelyn Schuch; also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Emma, after 60 years of marriage; along with his parents, Richard and Mary; his three brothers, Emerson, Clayton, and Benton and two sisters, Maxine and Grace. Please take a moment to remember Roger’s infectious smile, his kindness, his never ending selflessness. Any cards/gifts may be sent to 871 East Sawgrass Trail, Dakota Dunes, SD 57049. He was truly Jolly Roger while serving others.