Dennis R.”DJ” Jones, 67, of Mt. Zion, passed away on September 16, 2011 after a brief but courageous battle of cancer at home with his family present.
A service to celebrate Dennis’s life will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2011 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. till service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery with full military honors where his mother and father are also buried. Memorials may be made in Dennis’s memory to the Penguin Display c/o Scovill Children’s Zoo. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Dennis was born May 11, 1944 in Chicago, the son of Gilbert Bernard and Charlene (Daledovich) Jones. He was raised in Rantoul, IL where he attended Rantoul Township High School. One of his proudest life moments was serving his country in Viet Nam. He obtained the rank of Sergeant in the Army and earned numerous medals including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Awards. He returned home and went into retail sales with the Kresge’s stores in Chicago. He then went on to work for twenty four years for K’s Merchandise Mart where he rose to be a Director of new store construction and eventually a store manager. During this time he earned his GED at Richland Community College and married Connie Bowser-Batman, the love of his life on April 4, 1992. He was a member of the American Legion Castle Williams Post #105. He moved to St. Thomas, and became the Mountain Top store manager until he returned to Decatur. At the age of 50 he over came an addiction and had just earned his 17th year coin in 2011.
During that time he became a totally disabled American Veteran and lived his life to the best that affliction would allow. He cherished attending those important meetings and being with his wife Connie.
Dennis enjoyed life and touched many people he met with his kindness and friendship. He did voluntary projects with the American Legion and other organizations. He enjoyed being with his immediate family and sharing with his friends and brothers families. Dennis was recently baptized into his Christian faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Surviving is his wife: Connie and their children: Travis and his wife Courtney of Waterboro, Maine; grandchildren: Jacob and Hannah, mother-in-law: Eloise Bowser of Decatur; brother: Gil and his wife Darlene of Decatur; nephew: Damian Jones and his wife Sarah and their children Alexa, Gillian and Mack; nieces: Dena Corley and her husband Bill of Forsyth and their children Tre’, Jaden, and Reya, Danielle Hunt and her husband Todd of Ramsey and their children Colton, Corrin, Camelle, and Carisen; Special family Aunt Joyce Jones and special friends Kenny and Vicki Baker, John Bell, Leon Harris and Gene Pricer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and sister: Dianne.
| Don Porter |
Friend |
September 21, 2011 |
Connie and family and friends of DJ.
I had the priviledge of working with DJ most of the 24 years with K's Merchandise. He worked hard and was very loyal to the company and people who worked hard to make it a succes. I admired him most for that quality. He loved his country and served it well. I know that service weighed heavy on him at times, but he always worked through it. I know he loved Connie and that she made a huge difference in his life. I know he will be missed dearly by those that truly knew who he was.
I send my condolences.
Don Porter
| loretta marsland - boston |
dj my friend |
September 20, 2011 |
my thoughts and prayers are with all the familys and friends of dj. He was a one of a kind.. rest in peace my friend... see ya on the other side.. love, loretta
| Joseph M. Gatwis |
Caring Nephew |
September 19, 2011 |
Dennis was my friend as well as my Nephew. Although I was older then he, he took care of, and protected me. He and I liked to listen to oldtime RnR music.
I will miss you Dennis Ray... Love You, Uncle Joseph
| Kerry Milhon |
Cousin & Dancing Buddy |
September 19, 2011 |
My heart felt condolences to Connie, GB, Darlene and all who loved one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest, caring persons I have ever known.
Many family members Dennis had were not mentioned in his memorium as there were far too many who loved him albeit from afar.
When Dennis and I were teens he was my confidant and dancing buddy - yes - he could really shake up the dance floor. I had hoped to make it to see him once more and reminisce about those days -- but God heard our prayers for him not to suffer and called him home earlier than we all expected.
Goodbye Dear Sweet Cousin Dennis
Save Us A Spot On That Big Dance Floor
Love,
Kerry Ellen - Corky
