A Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jimmy” Jones, 55, of Newark, will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 394 East Main Street, Newark, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with Fr. Anthony Dinovo as celebrant. Visitation will be held at Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Jimmy passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Born on April 27, 1971, he was the son of James Robert “Jim” Jones and Ann Jones.

A 1989 graduate of Newark High School, Jimmy spent much of his life in the community he loved. He was known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends.

Jimmy played collegiate soccer while attending Muskingum University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He later earned a Master of Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He began his professional career as a teacher. Jimmy had a career in education and sales finding satisfaction in helping others learn, grow, and succeed. Most recently Jimmy worked as a Sales Trainer at Healthcare Logistics, a company and role he enjoyed.

Away from work, Jimmy loved gardening and took great pride in caring for his yard. He enjoyed spending time outdoors walking in nature. He was an enthusiastic cook, especially at the grill, and was well known for his distinctive award-winning chili. Jimmy enjoyed brewing his own beer and mead. He loved music. Listening to music, talking about music, and playing music. Jimmy was a devoted Cleveland Browns, Cavs, and Guardians fan. Jimmy treasured gathering with family and friends, sharing music, sports, stories, laughter, and a good conversation.

One of Jimmy's greatest joys was being a father. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his sons compete in sports and loved cheering them on from the sidelines. Their accomplishments, challenges, and everyday moments brought him immense pride.

Jimmy cared deeply for his mother, Ann, father, Jim, stepmother, Joyce, and sister Leslie. He treasured the close bond they all shared.

His sons, Fisher, Griffin, and Jett, were at the heart of his world. Jimmy loved nothing more than watching his boys play sports, on the field or in the yard. These days, he loved playing and watching sports with the boys whenever he could. Through his marriage to Carli, he also became stepfather to Domenic Guanciale, whom he welcomed with love into the family.

Three years ago, Jimmy began dating a friend from high school, Carli Porter, and their relationship quickly grew into a deep and enduring love. She became the love of his life. Their happiness together was evident to everyone who knew them. At their wedding, just three weeks before his passing, family and friends witnessed a man who was truly happy and deeply grateful for the life and love he had found.

Jimmy will be dearly missed by his wife, Carli (Porter) Jones; sons, Fisher, Griffin, and Jett Jones; stepson, Domenic Guanciale; mother, Ann Jones; father and stepmother, James Robert “Jim” and Joyce Jones; sister, Leslie (Rick) Ainsworth; stepsister, Jill (Stuart) Durbridge; stepbrother, Brad (Jill) Olander; six nieces and nephews; and many beloved extended family members and dear friends.

Jimmy will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, loyalty, devotion to family and friends, and his unique ability to bring people together. Whether at work, around the grill, in the garden, on the sidelines of a game, or gathered among loved ones, he found joy in being with family and friends. His life was far too short, but it was rich with love and cherished memories.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.