James Arden Jones

James Arden Jones, 74, of Ravenna passed away Sunday June 18, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  On April 20, 1949, Jim was born in Ravenna, Ohio to the late Arden and Lydia Maxine (Schumm) Jones.  Living in the Ravenna and Rootstown area most of his life, he worked hard all his life from a very early age with a huge paper route, to working a full time job and went to school, as he got older he drove truck for local asphalt companies along with other trucking businesses.  Then in 2005 he started his own landscaping business, JP Lawncare, which he loved and was so proud of.  Believe me, every yard was to perfection.  Trust me-That's how my Jimmy rolled. Jim was not a sports kinda guy, although he did enjoy fishing and camping.  He was that guy that enjoyed the beauty of his surroundings, the flowers he planted, the grass he mowed, the birds he watched and fed, the huge gardens that were planted and that always needed weeded, picking up a gosling that got on the other side of the fence from it's mom.  He enjoyed just sitting outside soaking it all in.  He was a picky neat person about himself and his surroundings, so meticulous.  I remember him always saying to me "You work hard to pay for what you have so you should always take care of it" words well spoken.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his mother in law Alice Peterhansen, brother in law, Bearington "Spitz" Peterhansen, brother in law Howard “Jr.” Morgan and brother in law Michael Becker.  Survivors include his wife of 30 years Paula K. (Gillespie) Jones whom he married Nov. 28, 1992, his children Amy (Beep, Beep) Persky of Palatine, IL.,  James Jeffrey "Jeff" (Kelly) of Alliance, OH, Valarie Stephenson and Bryan Stephenson both of Ravenna, Ohio, his grandchildren TJ Guy (Angie), Kelsey, Madison, Aiden, Brandon, his sisters Sally Becker of Streetsboro, Carol Jones of Ravenna, his sister and brother in laws, Donna (Gillespie) Russell, Donald "Butch" (Laura) Gillespie, Dean Gillespie, Judi Peterhansen and his four legged buddies Bailey and Harley D.  Special Thanks to friends, neighbors for helping me get him up when he fell and just being here for me, the Rootstown Fire/EMS Department on numerous occasions, for getting here quickly when he called.  The Hospice of Western Reserve for their assistance and helping me get through this.  Thank you to Stephanie Willoughby, this gal was here through thick and thin, cleaning, yard work, watching the dogs, just giving me a break away.  Then our families-couldn't have done it without you- you ROCK!  In lieu of flowers,  please make donations to the Hospice of Western Reserve, the Rootstown Fire Department of Portage County Animal protective League.  Graveside services will 2:00 PM Friday June 23, 2023 with burial to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery Ravenna, Ohio.  Condolences and memories of Jim may be shared with his family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.