Chris Eugene Jones joined many of his dear family and friends in heaven on October 27, 2024 at the age of 71, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 19, 1953, in Kirksville, MO to Dorothy Louise (Robb) and Darrel Gene Jones, both preceding him in death, as well as his brother Dennis K. Jones.

Chris received his education in Kirksville and graduated with the Class of 1971. Chris developed a strong work ethic from a young age. He spent his youth working at his family’s DX service station, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting DX signs. Over the years, Chris wore many hats. Truck driver, drywall finisher, farmer; but was most proud of his time as a Construction Trades teacher. In this role, he inspired young people both inside and outside the classroom. He also coached youth softball, encouraging and mentoring many along the way. His friendships were forged across these different chapters of life, from the students he taught to the buddies he met playing softball and working his chip and pop routes.

He answered to many names throughout his life—Bim, Bimbo, Jonesy, Bubba, Dr. J and Chris—but the one he loved most and was proudest of was Poppy. Known for his warm humor, captivating storytelling, and generous heart, Chris could light up a room with laughter, often through tales of his hunting adventures, outdoor pursuits, and time spent junking with Terri. Together, they found joy in antiquing and crafting displays of their “uniques and curiosities” at home.

In 2011, Chris retired from teaching and drywalling to spend more time doing what he loved: hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. These excursions were as much about friendship as they were about the game, and he cherished the time spent with his companions in the field. His bird dogs and the strays he took in also became beloved members of his family, filling his days with joy.

Though he didn’t attend church regularly, Chris had faith in God and His creations. He shared this sense of wonder with his granddaughters, Abby and EmmyLee, instilling in them a love for the outdoors and teaching them the importance of stewardship. With Abby, he shared his passion for hunting, gifting her a pink BB gun and a purple camo .243 rifle to mark the start of their adventures. He carefully taught both girls gun safety, ensuring that every lesson, like every shot, was deliberate and meaningful. EmmyLee often joined him in hunting for Native American artifacts, combing ditches together with quiet determination. And when it came time for driving lessons, Poppy made sure to keep things fun as he taught the girls to drive the buggy, their laughter echoing across the fields and dirt roads surrounding the Jones property.

Chris found happiness in life’s simple moments: mowing acres of grass in his flannel pajama pants, sitting on the back porch watching birds with Terri, or savoring a cup of Folgers coffee with a Marlboro Red cigarette and an old western on TV.

Chris is survived by his wife Terri, who was by his side for nearly 40 years (May 25, 1985); his children, BJ Richardson of Springfield, MO; Brittany Shaffer (Michael Hall) of Moscow Mills, MO; and Melissa (Dave) Salter of Ashland, MO; and his two granddaughters, Abigail Nicole Shaffer and Emma Lee Shaffer, his uncle Bob (Sharon) Jones, his aunt Laura Rachel Casey, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Though Chris’s passing leaves a deep void, his warmth, humor, and love for life will live on in the many lives he touched. He taught his family how to face life’s challenges with determination and grace, and his love of the outdoors will be remembered in every hunting trip, shared laugh, and quiet moment over black coffee. Those lucky enough to know Chris will carry his legacy forward, guided by the lessons he taught and the memories they shared.

Pallbearers will be Dannie Rhoads, Mark Louder, Dr. Garry Elam, Greg Murphy, Dennis Wilson, and Ronny Roof. Honorary pallbearers include Dick Gooch, Joel Shipman, Jim Miller, Bryan Collier, Marty Jones, and Tim Findling

Public visitation will be held Friday November 1, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

A funeral service for Chris will be held at 11am, Saturday November 2, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Virgil Jones presiding. Burial will follow at Parkview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, November 1st.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jones Family Scholarship for a Career & Technical graduate, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.