James C. Jones, 87, of Urbana passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at the funeral home.

James (Jim) was born on March 8, 1926 in Danville, the son of Cecil and Bertha Schultz Jones. After his mother passed away in 1942, he became the step-son of Blanche Wernigk Jones in 1944. His parents preceded him in death.

Jim married Lucille M. Vaught on September 5, 1948 at the Methodist Church in Rankin. Lucille survives. He died just short of their 65th wedding anniversary.

Jim is also survived by his three sons, Kenneth of Urbana, Russell (Judy) of Champaign and Harold (Becki) of Champaign. He is also survived by one grandson, Branden (Harold and Becki's) of Champaign.

Mr. Jones attended schools in Danville and Champaign. He graduated from Champaign High School in 1944. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944 - 1946.

Jim worked at Bailey and Himes Sporting Goods for a few years after his military discharge. He then worked at Potter Electric Service in Urbana for just over 45 years. Jim was a respected official for the Illinois High School Association for over 30 years in the sports of football, basketball and baseball. He coached all three of his sons in Little League baseball and helped with their News-Gazette newspaper routes.

Jim was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Urbana for many years and most recently was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Urbana. Jim enjoyed football-baseball-basketball at all levels, softball (slow-pitch and fast-pitch), University of Illinois sports, Chicago Bear football, St. Louis Cardinal Baseball, Drum and Bugle Corps competitions/concerts, High School Band competitions/concerts and cats.

Memorial contributions may be made to Champaign County Humane Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.