John Paul Jones

John Paul (J.P.) Jones, 94, Raytown, died Sunday, September 1, 2013, at Hidden Lake Care Center, Raytown.

Mr. Jones was born July 31, 1919 on Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas.  During World War II, he proudly served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific.  He graduated from Valparaiso University in 1949.   He became an educator and spent 28 years with the Kansas City, Missouri School District and retired in 1983.  He was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church, and enjoyed serving with several organizations including the Boy Scouts, the Neighborhood Councils of Independence, and the Shepherd Center of Independence. Prior to his wife’s death in 2003, he was a caregiver for many years for her and became actively involved in the National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Eunice Ruth Jones. His survivors include two sons and their wives, Raleigh and Laurie Jones of Madison; WI; Lowell and Gayle Jones of Blue Springs, MO; and a daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Dan Purviance of Rockford, IL; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  The family is very appreciative of all the care provided to him at Hidden Lake Care Center, as well as to Crossroads Hospice for their comfort and support.  Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on September 5 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on September 5 at the church.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden, Leavenworth, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Ascension Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Hour Ministries.  (Arrangements by Missouri Funeral Care, Raytown.)