James Gardner Jones, 92, of Covington, formerly of Hagerstown, Maryland, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 at his home.  He was born in Westernport, Maryland Nov. 14, 1926. Mr. Jones was a graduate of Central High School in Lonaconing, Maryland, Frostburg University in Frostburg, Maryland, and McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Mr. Jones retired from the Washington County, Maryland Public School System following 35 years of service as a teacher and secondary school administrator. He was a member of the Washington County Retired Teachers Association and the Maryland State Retired Teachers Association.  Mr. Jones was a member of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Hagerstown, Maryland for 45 years.  He was a Mason for more than 50 years in good standing with the Hagerstown Lodge No. 217 F & AM, Ithiel Royal Arch Chapter No. 27, Palestine Council No. 16 R & SM, St. Bernard Commandry No. 9 Knights Templar, Hagerstown, Maryland, Hagerstown Shrine Club, Ali Ghan Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Cumberland, Maryland.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his wife Ruth E. Jones, his parents Mary Catherine and James Jones, his sister Catherine Cook and brothers-in-law Gerald Cook, Francis “Sonny” Trenum, and Ralph Werdebaugh. He is survived by one daughter Kendra A. Mayfield, her husband Lee Mayfield, Jr., a grandson Max Mayfield and a granddaughter Lily Mayfield, all of Covington, a sister, Evelyn Trenum, of Barton, Maryland, 5 sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, 8 nieces and nephews, 12 grand nieces and nephews, and 2 great grandnephews.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Jones was held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20, at The Church of the Good Shepherd with Father Edwin Beckham officiating.  There will also a memorial service held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 at Barton United Methodist Church, Barton, Maryland.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Longleaf Hospice, 1160 Monticello St., Covington, GA 30014 or Hagerstown Lodge No. 217 F & AM 11227 Piper Lane, Hagerstown, MD. 21740. J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East St., SE, Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of the arrangements.  A guestbook may be signed online www.harwellfuneralhome.com.