James Edwin Jones was born on February 22, 1917, in Okemah, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Prague, Oklahoma, at the age of 94.

James, the son of Edwin and Olie Duke Jones, was a resident of Prague most of his life.

He was educated at Prague schools and surrounding country schools where his mother taught, until his graduation from Prague High School with the class of 1935.

A veteran of World War II, James served in the 15th Air Force in Italy.

James married Florence Burch on June 7, 1945. They enjoyed 62 years together before her death in 2008.

He worked as a letter carrier on Rural Route 1 in Prague for thirty five years. James always had a special fondness for the children and young adults on his mail route, leaving them presents in the mailbox on each holiday. That interest in and attention to the younger ones continued until his death.

James was a member of the Prague United Methodist Church and American Legion Post Eleven.

His parents and two sisters also preceded James in death.

James will be missed by his nieces, neighbors, and friends. He was a loyal husband; a caring, attentive uncle; and a friendly, helpful neighbor. But most of all James will be remembered as a gentle man whose life was characterized by service -- service to his country, service to those in need, and service to those on his mail route whom he considered an extended family. James always went the extra mile with compassion and excellence. Family members and the town of Prague have lost a quality man whose memory can best be honored by each of us living as James did: a life of service.

Survivors include nieces, Marilyn Issacson and her husband Robert of Texas; Beth Hall and husband Glen of California; Sharon Mills of California; Shelly Winter and husband Wayne of California; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Rev. Scott Keneda officiating.

Interment will follow at the Prague Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.