Plan for the Future
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
James Riven Jones, Jr., passed away on February 28, 2024, in Edison, New Jersey. On February 16, 1937, James was born in the Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina, in the city of Lenoir. He was the second eldest child of Mamie Patterson and James Riven Jones, Sr. As a youth in North Carolina, James worked at a local golf course caddying for the likes of the Broyhill family, founders of Broyhill Furniture. Upon graduating high school, James enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe.
After his tour ended, James enrolled in Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, Ohio. While there, he played football with teammate Jack Harbaugh. Harbaugh became a prominent football coach and is the father of John and Jim Harbaugh, both currently National Football League Head Coaches. After graduating with an accounting degree, General Motors recruited him for a management position in Flint, Michigan.
While in Michigan, James met and married Betty Johnson. They had two children, Anthony and Andrea. The couple moved to New Jersey after James was recruited by the accounting firm Ernst & Ernst, now Ernst & Young. Later, TIAA-CREF, a Manhattan-based financial services company, a client of Ernst & Ernst, recruited him for its auditing department. James remained with TIAA-CREF until his retirement.
James spent his retirement actively involved in the Catholic Church as a member of Knights of Columbus. Much time was spent golfing, playing cards with friends, and visiting his children and grandchildren. James is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Predeceased by his beloved siblings Bobbie Lee, John, and Jean. He leaves behind former spouse and close friend, Betty Jones, their children Anthony Jones and Andrea Jones Burns, Esquire. Daughter-in-law, Dina Congregane, and son-in-law, Oscar Burns, Jr., CWO3 USCG-R; grandchildren Tyler and Carly Jones; nephews and nieces Derek Walker, Germa Jones, Thomasa Jones, and Kerry Jones; great-nephew Trey Walker and great-niece Jenora Ledbetter; cousin Baby Lee Moore; step-grandchildren Brian and Bridgette Burns and step-great-granddaughter, Kyrah. Along with a host of other family and friends. James will be deeply missed by all who know and love him.
Services will be held on Wednesday, March 6th from 2-4 pm at Bradley, Smith & Smith Funeral Home located at 415 Morris Avenue, Springfield, New Jersey 07081. Repast to be held at Stage-House Tavern located at 1099 US-22, Mountainside, New Jersey 07092. James will be laid to rest at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery located at 350 Providence Line Road, Wrightstown, New Jersey 08562.
