Larry James Jones, 81

Larry James Jones was born March 11, 1944, in Valentine, NE, to Lawrence Edison “L.E.” and Florence Johanna (Knittel) Jones. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Mission, SD, on April 2, 1944. Larry was the youngest of their four children: Elizabeth “ Bet ty Ann” Kalblinger, Loretta Hopkins, and Martin.

Larry attended Zion Lutheran grade school in Mission through eighth grade. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on March 30, 1958.

He attended Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, SD, his freshman year of high school, and graduated from Todd County High School in 1962. Larry attended South Dakota School of Mines the following year, and continued with trade school in Omaha, NE, earning a certification in refrigeration in 1964.

Larry married Rose Ann Gehlsen on June 6, 1964. To this union, five children were born: Michelle (Trina), twins John (Julie) and James (Robyn), Deanne and Valerie (Don).

Larry and Rose spent their early years living near Mission helping run the family businesses. In 1973, they bought a ranch and the family moved to Littleburg, SD. While running the ranch, they also took over ownership of the family hardware and lumber store, JD & S, Inc.

Larry and Rose’s children learned a lot of skills - both in ranching and owning a business from their father. He had a strong work ethic and could fix anything. He also never cared to leave a project unfinished or do anything half-way. One of the taglines they learned from him and repeat to this day, is “do it right the first time, or don’t do it at all.”

Long after their children were raised, Larry and Rose continued to operate the lumberyard, earning full-time retirement in 2015 at the age of 71. Their retirement allowed them a little extra time to enjoy the activities of their grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his son, Jim; his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife; one son and three daughters; eight grandchildren, Tyler Jones, Pamela (Michael) Olson, Michael (Kylie) Jones, JT (Amanda) Jones, Tanner Jones, McKenna Phillips, Mazi Phillips and Landon Phillips; five great-grandchildren, Kelton Jones, Colt Jones, Raeleen Jones, Hayley Jones, and Jimmi Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Grace Lutheran School, 810 W. 3rd St, Valentine, NE 69201.

Funeral service for Larry Jones, age 81, of Valentine were held Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 28490 Highway 83, Mission, SD. Cremation followed the service and a private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Visitation was held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Mr. Jones passed away on June 7, 2025, the Cherry County Hospital in Valentine.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is in charge of service arrangements.