James R. Jones (Jim), 71, of Wooster, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, following complications from cancer and Parkinson’s disease; his family was by his side. He was born on December 2, 1954, in Wooster, OH to Walter and Marion (Richards) Jones.
Jim was a 1973 graduate of Triway High School. He began working for his father at Walter Jones Construction Company at a young age, weighing trucks at the scale house and driving heavy equipment amongst other roles, before eventually serving as the company’s president. During this time, he started Gray Rock Transport, hauling stone, sand, and lime. In the early 1990s, Jim, Jerry Baker, and Jim Snyder formed Chesterland Estates and Productions; together they developed much of the north end of Wooster.
Outside of the construction business, Jim enjoyed farming in Wayne County. Over 6 decades, he raised cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. He had a fondness for Oliver tractors and enjoyed having his children and grandchildren ride alongside him while baling.
At the age of 14, Jim met his future wife, Margaret A. Baxstrom of Wooster, and they celebrated 50 happy years of marriage on December 20, 2025. Together they welcomed 4 children, and 5 grandchildren who affectionately called him Dumps. Jim had a life-long love of saltwater fishing off the coast of Naples and Key West, FL. He was interested in history, particularly World War II, space exploration, and always enjoyed taking his family to Disney World. Jim was a member of Central Christian Church his entire life and served as a deacon for many years. He was a proud board member of Wayne County Children Services for 25 years and was passionate about serving underprivileged children. But his greatest joy was spending time with his wife and family, and he will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a fun grandfather, as well as a supportive friend to many in the community.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents Walter and Marion Jones; father- and mother-in-law Emil and Margaret Baxstrom, brother-in-law Ted Baxstrom, and sister-in-law Kim Baxstrom.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Margie; sons Andy and Danny Jones and Danny’s children Cedar and Juniper Jones; daughters Melanie and Christy Jones and Melanie’s children Corinne, Jack, and Emery Kallio; brothers Jerry (Ann) Jones and Doug Jones; and brothers-in-law Sandy (Jerri Lynn) Baxstrom and Jack (Janice) Baxstrom. Jim also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, former daughter-in-law Jillian Jones, and former sister-in-law Deborah Baxstrom Reed.
A memorial service with Rev. Merlyn Winters officiating will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 407 N. Market St., Wooster. The family will receive friends 2 hours prior to the church service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wayne County Children Services, 2534 Burbank Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Al and I were lucky to have Jim in our lives. He was our “mayday” man. That word to him brought him immediately to your aid. Rest in peace Jim. You deserve it.
Jim was my neighbor for many years in Wooster. We always enjoyed our early morning shoveling snow days. We would shovel our sidewalks and drives then hit the neighbors. Then catch up on all the worldly events. He was a Great man and Loved his family. Rest in Peace Jim.See You on the other side.
Jerry and Doug, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My condolences to your family.
My thoughts and condolences are with all your family. I will always have fond memories of Jim.
To the family of Jim Jones,
Jim was a thoughtful, nice guy, I enjoyed his dry sense of humor and his willingness to take time to chat! Rest in peace dear Jim, you deserve it
My deepest sympathy to you all. So glad I got to share some time with Jim this summer- such fond and unforgettable memories working with him 💝
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Since my dad worked for Walter, Jim and I were friends. My prayers for the entire Jones family.
We are so sorry for Jim Jones dealing with cancer and Parkinson’s for these past few years Jim had a good sense of humor. Plus he was loved dearly by best friends Bill and Sue Delac . My husband knew him as he served on the board of Children’s Services when Tom still worked there. Before his illness he was quite the jokester. And he encouraged us as we did a final remodel to our home in 2023. We will be praying for Jim’s family and dear friends as everyone says their goodbyes until we meet again in heaven.
My condolences & prayers to family & friends for your loss. I knew Margaret from Junior Service. May the fond memories & faith help you in this difficult time.RIP Jim
I am sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I knew him when he was little, when we would come to the house. His mom had a group of young people interested in music and she feed our interest. I knew his dad from working at the downtown Keeney’s cafeteria, he came in often. They both spoke highly of Jim. Prayers for the immediate family and friends, this is hard, but God is Gracious.
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Myself and the group at the Kokosing Wooster shop always enjoyed Jim and always looked forward to his visits.A good man, we have already missed him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I’m sorry to see the passing of Jim. My father, Buell McCulley, thought highly of Jim and the Jones family. I got to interact with Jim on several occasions and he was always very gracious.
So sorry to hear this.Jim was always nice to me and my staff. God bless the family and our prayer are with you.
I last seen jim july of 2022 at his rt302 farm making hay on a saturday first time i seen jim in over 20 yrs. I was a driver for jim at his business gray rock transport and jim was such a great guy to work for and took great care of us guys and im saddened deeply to hear of jim passing on and being with his lord and saviour as of now. Prayers for his whole family 🙏
Rest in peace Jim condolences and prayers 🙏 for family .
Was a good friend with my husband from Triway Had great memories together.
Ed said he remembered when he got his GtO like what was pictured on car and tractor magazine. So many great memories. Go rest high on the. Mountain our good friend Jim.
I met Jim in 2011, and looked forward to seeing him every time he came into the store. He always brought me donuts and we joked and laughed about everything imaginable. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a year ago at the age of 67. For several months I had noticed tremors in my right hand and the shaking of my right foot when I was sitting. My normally beautiful cursive writing was now small, cramped printing. And I tended to lose my balance. The neurologist had me walk down the hall and said I didn’t swing my right arm. I had never noticed! I was in denial for a while, as there is no history in my family of parents and five older siblings, but I had to accept I had classic symptoms. I was taking amantadine and carbidopa/levodopa and was about to start physical therapy to strengthen muscles. I used different supplements that didn’t work, so last July, I tried the PD-5 protocol—the best decision ever! My tremors eased, my energy returned, and I sleep soundly. I feel like a new woman, and I can walk and exercise again. I got the PD-5 from limitless healthcenter. c om