HMCM (SEAL) James E. Jones (USN, Retired), 76, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 16, 2023, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Simply put, he lived life fully and faithfully for his family, teammates, friends and country.
Jimmy ("Doc") was born to Ben and Catherine (Kuntz) Jones on Jan. 14, 1943, in Punxsutawney. He grew up there and enlisted in the USMC in 1965. After a short stint as a Marine, he served in the USAF between 1966 and 1972 before then joining the USN as a hospital corpsman (HM). According to notes in his mother's diary, during this period he did a tour in Vietnam starting on May 30, 1968. He also may have done a second Vietnam tour (he has a total of three combat action ribbons). Upon completion of SOT training with BUD/S Class 79 in 1974, Jimmy ("Doc") served with the 1st Marine Division.
Jimmy ("Doc") later received orders to Underwater Demolition Team TWENTY ONE (UDT-21) and SEAL Team FOUR (ST-4), where he continued to distinguish himself and spent most of his time as a superior SEAL operator. His final tour of duty was as the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor for Headquarters, USSOCOM, before retiring in 1996. During his time in the Teams, he saved at least one person from injuries sustained in a life-threatening training accident. Additionally, he was one of the first medical personnel on scene after the Beirut USMC barracks bombing in 1983. His quick and decisive actions triaging and treating the wounded likely saved a countless number of lives. He also was a NAFOD (No Apparent Fear of Death). During mortar, artillery and rocket attacks, he would walk about outside the bunker seeking to determine where the attacks originated and if there were any enemy spotters nearby. Teammates would take turns trying to drag him back inside. Yet another truly unique trait of his was to receive energetic and enthusiastic "Doc Jones" shout-outs from unknown people in the remotest corners of the world. How so many people knew him deserves continued investigation.
Following his military retirement, Jimmy ("Doc") worked in hyperbaric medicine at Oklahoma State University, continuing to utilize his unique medical specialty to help others. Throughout his civilian career, he always further endeared himself to the good folks that were his coworkers. His truly good spirit will live forever in their hearts.
Jimmy ("Doc") was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria (Miller) Jones, in 2020; his adored only child, Rhonda Jones, in 1981; his parents, Ben and Catherine (Kuntz); and his brother, David Jones, in 1988.
He is survived by his older brother Jon and wife Pat; his late brother David's wife Janet (Kotula-Jones) Plourde; his brothers-in-law Lloyd Miller, Glen Miller, Rev. David Miller and Stephen Miller; sisters-in-law Patti (Miller) Smith, Debra (Miller) Stands and Donna Sue Miller, along with all of their spouses; his niece, Tracy (Jones) Whalen (spouse Terry Whalen); niece Joelle Jones; and niece Trudy Jones.
Ashes will be laid to rest Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. in Lakelawn Memorial Park, Reynoldsville.

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Published by The Punxsutawney Spirit from Sep. 7 to Sep. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Jones

2 Entries

Rev David Miller

January 7, 2025

Jim, my brother-in-law, lived a quiet life as a "civilian". He attended my USA Special Forces Qualification Course graduation along with his wife, Gloria, my sister in Fayetteville, NC. He assisted in getting my orders changed from Europe to South America, not sure how but he did it. I spent close to 30 years in service with 20 being a Green Beret. I have since retired and now serve as a Roman Catholic Priest near Camp Lejeune, NC. This January 16, 2025, I will say a Mass for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace in the presence of his Creator and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rev. David L Miller

David B Shanholtzer

June 26, 2024

Jim was a dedicated, deeply secretive and yet cryptic, individual. He was my leading enlisted leader who popped up one day assigned to 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company in N.C. in early 80s. I always admired his dedication to mission and desire to "get back into the action." He was an E6 (PO1) and I was a HN/HM3 in the unit. As quickly as he showed up, one day he was gone. Had allot of questions to ask him about his past but never did. He was very secretive. He smoked like a demon and cussed like one too. A true hard core 'old timer'. He inspired me to chase my dreams and not give up no matter how hard. Bless old Jim.

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