James Richard Jones, Jr. passed away on July 26, 2026 at his home in Childress, TX.

James was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico on October 1, 1957 to Pete (James R.) Jones and Nancy Helen Norris. They broke the mold when they created him.

Richie was full of energy from an early age, with a larger than life personality and a smile to match. He graduated from Childress High School in 1976 where he first met Edna Keys, the eventual love of his life and his faithful companion to the end.

Richie was always up for an adventure, big or small, in both his work and personal lives. His varied work history reflected the fact that he was a man of many talents. Over the years he farmed and ranched, worked as a real estate agent, became a pilot, owned his own car lot and worked as an entrepreneur selling containers, operating a landscaping business, selling antiques and flipping houses.

Richie loved to spend time in his wood shop utilizing his artistic talents to create one of a kind pieces and custom creations, some of which are showcased at the new golf course. Richie found true joy in celebrating the small and simple things in life like an ice cold Dr. Pepper, a good Western, catching a fish, finding an antique, or making a grandkid laugh. His big smile would light up the room and he would have everyone laughing in no time. He didn’t just enjoy life, he helped everyone around him to find that joy too.

Richie is survived by his wife of 19 years, Edna Jones and their children: April Jones and fiancé Paul McInturf, Spencer Jones and wife Rhae, Christopher Tipa and wife Mandi, Celesta Perkins and husband Billy, Vanessa Byers, Lehi Tipa, Nephi Tipa and wife Lindsy, and Joe Swain; his sister Deborah Jones and fiancé Mark Moore and nieces: Neely Cherry, Heather Williams and husband Brad, and Jamie Deerinwater and husband Caleb. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law J.C and Dollie Keys, 22 grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Nancy Jones.

Friends and family are welcome to join us in celebrating Richie’s life at a memorial service on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Childress.