John Harold Jones

John Harold Jones, 94, passed away on March 21, 2026, at his home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

John was born on April 29, 1931, to John and Mable (Kester) Jones in Corning, Arkansas. He married Alma L Bulger on October 30, 1953, in Qulin, MO.

John served in the U.S. Army from January 1952 - October 1953 during the Korean War. He attended the Bluff City Business College and was employed by General Baptist Printing Press. John and Alma moved to Whittier, California in 1954 where he was the Parts Manger for Fluid Packed Pump Company. They moved back to Poplar Bluff in 1956, and he was employed by Poplar Bluff Fire Department. He became Chief in 1977 where he served until retirement in 1990. During that period of employment, he drew floor plans for #1 Headquarters, floor plan for engine room and living quarters for Station #2 on Highway 53, and the floor plans for Station #3 on Barron Road. He was instrumental in acquiring the property for Station #3 as well. After retirement he and Alma moved to Arkansas on Greers Ferry Lake where they spent most of their time fishing for crappie. He was a member of Sugar Loaf First Baptist Church where he played the guitar with the choir and played the organ for offertory. In May 2023 they moved back to Poplar Bluff, MO where he enjoyed spending most of his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Alma; daughters, Johnia (Lance) Hawkins of Fairfield Bay AR, Kristie (Ray) Stith of Poplar Bluff, MO; grandsons Mikhail (Jackie), Nick (Mallory) Spencer, (Emmy) Stith all of Poplar Bluff, MO; Zack (Olivia) Rice of Mozambique, Africa and Tyler Tillary of Fairfield Bay, AR; great grandchildren Piper, Quinn, Raquel, Jackson and Tate Stith, Isiah And Zion Rice; nephew, Gary (Francine) and Niece Susan (Paul) of California.

John was preceded in death by parents, John and Mable; brother, James L Jones and great grandson John Garvis Stith.

Graveside service will begin at 11am on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Murray officiating.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Poplar Bluff Fire Department Memorial Scholarship Fund in Memory of John Jones, 300 South Broadway, Street Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of John Harold Jones. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com