James F. "Jim" Jones

Jones, James F. "Jim"

August 13, 1929 - April 4, 2023

James F. (Jim) Jones (93) of Boone, passed away on Tuesdasy, April 4, 2023. Jim was born near the coast, in Bolton, N.C. but became a true Mountaineer living in the High Country for 66 years.

Jim had a distinguished career with Appalachian State University, as an accounting professor and chair in the Walker College of Business, men's head tennis coach, and athletics director. Additionally, he was active in national intercollegiate athletics administration, serving multiple leadership roles in the Southern Conference, the NAIA National Tennis Coaches Association, and the NAIA national tennis tournament. Jim was a tireless advocate for the benefits of the student-athlete paradigm and received multiple awards for excellence in both athletics and education.

Jim was very active in his community and held leadership roles in the Watauga County Chamber of Commerce, the local and state Lion's Club, the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the local and state Republican Party, the Boone Parks and Recreation Committee, the Boone United Methodist Church, and he volunteered alongside his wife for 16 years at Watauga Regional Medical Center.

Jim is survived by his treasured wife of almost 62 years, Elaine, his daughters Judy Jones Tisdale (John) and Amy Viola (Steve) and Betsy Walsh (Brendan). He leaves his adored "grands" with a strong appreciation for the importance of both education and family as well as countless memories of their one-of-a-kind Bubby: James and Grace Viola, Josiah Tisdale, Katherine and Elizabeth Walsh. He also is survived by beloved nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Z.V. Jones and Annie Belle Reaves Jones; brothers Otto, Edgar, and Carl Jones and sisters-in-law Marie, Mary and Dorothy.

A reception will be held at Boone United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, to be followed by a service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to any of three funds within the Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc.: the James F. Jones Endowment for Accounting; Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity - Jim Jones Endowment; or the Athletics Facilities Campaign Fund for Outdoor Tennis. Gifts may be mailed to ASU Box 32014, Boone, NC 28608 or made online at give.appstate.edu.

Online condolences may be sent to the Jones family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.