James Jones

James “Jim” W. Jones, 68, longtime resident of Odessa, Texas, passed away on May 8, 2021 in Odessa after a courageous fight against multiple health challenges. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Chyree Powell Jones, whom he married on June 15, 1987 in Odessa.

Jim made Odessa his home for more than 50 years. He was born in Borger, Texas to Virgil Wayne Jones and Joann Hurt Jones on May 14, 1952 and spent his childhood in Borger and then in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he was immersed in music study (a love of many styles of music was a lifetime passion), multiple sports, and scouting, earning the status of Eagle Scout as a teenager. When his family moved briefly to France for a work relocation, he enjoyed the experience of living in Lyon, and visiting neighboring cities and countries.

He moved to Odessa with his family in 1969, spending his senior year at Permian High School. After high school graduation, he began his college studies at Texas Tech University, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration Management from University of Texas, Permian Basin on December 17, 1976.

Jim enjoyed a lifetime of closeness to family and to the community in Odessa. He worked alongside his father and grandfather for Perry Gas Company; then in his own insurance enterprise for many years; and again, with his father, with whom he founded and operated the Sound Connection in Odessa, as well as a property management venture they ran together. As an Odessa community member, Jim enjoyed serving with the Chuck Wagon Gang, and was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

Jim was a voracious reader, always reading more than one book. He loved spending time at home with family and friends and taking family trips to Possum Kingdom Lake as a young man, and to Padre Island as an adult.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents V. Wayne Jones and Joann Hurt Jones.

In addition to his wife Chyree Jones, Jim is survived by his son Nathan A. Jones and spouse Yadira of Arlington, TX; step-daughter Latisha Olivas and spouse Manuel of Odessa, TX; step-son Chad Bright and spouse Amy of Midland, TX; sister Kristie Poorman and spouse Brad of Abilene, TX; sister Linda Jones and spouse Will Joyner of Newton, MA; grandchildren Jonathan Jones,   Jazmine Medina, and Mareli Medina of Arlington, TX; Nic Bright of Ft. Worth, TX; Taylor Olivas and Hayden Olivas of Odessa, TX; Teloce Kinched of Roswell, NM; Blake Bright of Ruidoso, NM; Ashtin Bright of Midland, TX; Nathaniel Turner, Isaac Smith and Jacob Smith of Midland, TX;  his sister-in-law Cindy McElyea and her spouse Jimmy of Ovilla, TX; his uncle Clint Hurt and spouse Vicki of Midland, TX; Nathan’s mother Susan Moon and spouse Bill of Keller, TX; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Jim deeply touched the lives of his family and friends; we will miss his gentle presence with us. We have loved Jim well, and his memory will be a blessing to us. May his soul, and the soul of all faithful departed, rest in peace, and light perpetual shine upon him.