KILMARNOCK—James Donald Jones, known to those who loved him as Donnie, passed away on October 12, 2026, in his beloved hometown of Kilmarnock. He was 71 years old.
Donnie was born on July 2, 1955, in Kilmarnock, the same town where he would spend his final days, having come full circle in a place that always felt like home. He was the son of Jimmy and Gloria Jones, and from his earliest years he carried with him a warmth and steadiness that would come to define his life. Kilmarnock was more than an address to Donnie. It was the water he loved, the friends he cherished and the quiet comfort of a familiar place where everyone knew his name.
Those who knew Donnie knew a man of remarkable kindness. He was a friend to all, the kind of person who made strangers feel like old companions and who made old companions feel like family. His loyalty was unwavering. He was someone you could always count on, no matter the hour or the circumstance. Someone you could always trust. Time and again, people spoke of him the same way, as a wonderful man who gave freely of himself and asked for little in return. He lived his life with courage, strength and love. He was a wonderful father, a devoted grandfather, a loving son and a loyal brother.
Donnie had a deep love of the water. Fishing and boating brought him endless joy, and some of his happiest moments were spent on the open water, line in hand, taking in the peace that only a day on the river can bring. He also treasured his trips to New Hampshire to visit his daughter Brittany and son in law Billy, his granddaughter Susanna who was the light of his life and their dog Merlin. His daughter and granddaughter held a special place in his heart, a bond that can never be broken and he spoke of them with pride that was impossible to miss. He cherished his time with his granddaughter and daughter so much. He loved his work and his home, and he took great pride in both.
His brother Paul was his right-hand man and his best friend. The two of them shared a brotherhood that time only deepened. He loved gathering with friends and family, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than sitting and relaxing on the sun porch of his home, reminiscing about days gone by, swapping old stories and talking about future hopes and dreams. A good meal at a fine restaurant was another of his simple pleasures, made all the better by good company around the table.
Donnie’s faith was a quiet but steady presence throughout his life. He trusted in the Lord and found comfort in the promise of eternal life. Those who loved him take solace in knowing that he has been welcomed home and is at peace.
He was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Susanna Jones; his mother, Gloria Jones; his father, James “Jimmy”Jones; and his sister in law, Rosie Jones. Their reunion is a comfort to all who grieve his passing.
Donnie leaves behind his daughter, Brittany Jones; his son in law, Billy Freberg; and his cherished granddaughter, Susanna Freberg. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Jones; his nephews, Jason Jones and family, and PJ Jones and family; and his dear friends, Ellen Roberts, Jenifer Gordon and Carolyn Tisdale. Each of them carries a piece of Donnie with them, held in the countless memories he leaves behind.
A graveside service was held to celebrate Donnie’s life at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Kilmarnock. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, to remember and to honor a wonderful man who gave so much love to so many.
As we say goodbye, we hold these words close to our hearts:
“It breaks our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.”
Rest easy, Donnie. You will be missed dearly, and you will never be forgotten.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
