John was a 1957 Lawrenceville High School graduate. He worked for Texaco and WB Goode. His memberships included the Providence Evangelical Friends Church, Tidewater Lost Chord Club, and a lifetime member of the VFW and Moose Club. His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, and spending time with his family. He served his country in the United States Navy for ten years.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Luther Jones, Jr. and Don Jones; and one sister, Dixie Sharum.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; four sons, Steve Burkhalter of O’Fallon, Illinois, Michael Burkhalter of Kansas City, Missouri, Joe Ambrose and wife, Jennefer of Zuni, Virginia, and Tom Ambrose of Bethalto, Illinois; two daughters, Stephanie Page and husband, David of San Diego, California and Rhonda Higgins of Lawrenceville, Illinois; two sisters, Gleta Edwards and husband, Wayne of Douglasville, Georgia and Doris Sarver of Danville, Illinois; 15 grandchildren, Jason Page, David Barclay, Chad Barclay, Archer Page, Paul Page, Amanda Sowell, Kyliah Page, Michael Burkhalter, Jr., Andy Ambrose, Michael Ambrose, Kaitlyn Ambrose, Bria Jernigan, Brandy Ambrose, Jarret Higgins, and Lydia Higgins; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery with military rites.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Providence Evangelical Friends Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tidewater Lost Chord Club c/o Joe Marasco 7320 Glenco Avenue Unit 10K Norfolk, VA 23505.