"Country roads, take me home, to the place, I belong. West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads…"

On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, Jack Frederick Jones, 82, reluctantly said goodbye to his beloved rolling hills, majestic mountains, abundant rhododendrons and natural beauty of his country farm and home state of West Virginia. He succumbed to a long illness at the Madison Center in Morgantown.

Born and raised in Dunbar, Jack left his boyhood home to serve four years in the United States Navy (we thank you for your service). In 1960, He played one season as a centerfielder for the San Francisco Giants baseball club. Jack batted left and threw right. He received recognition in the San Francisco Chronicle's sports page, as "The fast little guy."

Jack's "country roads" called him back and he became a true native son and Mountaineer. His passion for the outdoors was exemplified by his love of hunting, fishing, archery, golf, track but most of all, baseball. He cherished his many dogs, cats, horses, and was always willing to create a home on his farm, for any stray animal.

Jack was a self-described dreamer. He appreciated poetry, prose, and politics. He was gifted with a quick wit and took pride in his excellent recall of names, birthdates, and events. Jack loved "the written word" and often verbally spelled out the last word of a sentence for dramatic effect. His children remember him reciting, by memory, the children's book, "Are you My Mother" by P.D. Eastman.

Jack was delighted with his thick auburn hair and many freckles, which he jokingly referred as his "devil kisses." He enjoyed imitating an Irish brogue, then switching to a melodic singing voice, most often singing his favorite Marty Robbins tunes.

He is preceded in death by both parents; two brothers; one granddaughter; his beloved Uncle Lester; and Grandma Alva Carney.

Jack is survived by the mother of his ten children, Regina; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three brothers.

Jack's family would like to sincerely express gratitude to the excellent and professional care he received from the physicians, nurses, social workers and care aides at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, Camden Clark Hospital in Parkersburg, Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, Carehaven of Pleasants in Belmont and the Madison Center in Morgantown. Most especially we would like to thank Bobbi, Colton, and Heidi at the Madison Center and Lori Westfall from Medysis Hospice for their kindness, diligent care and support.

In lieu of a service, Jack's family suggests the following: When you hear a Marty Robbins ballad, enjoy a favorite food of Jack's, primarily: oysters, fried bologna sandwiches, chocolate ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup, mexican food, or enjoy the quiet lull of an evening baseball game on the radio, think of Jack Jones and give a nod to his "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia."

Arrangements are in care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.