James Madison Jones
Feb. 11, 1836-Feb. 23,1913
Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 24, 1913, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
SUDDEN DEATH OF J.M. JONES
Was visiting with a neighbor when he suddenly fell upon the couch dead
HE HAD NOT BEEN SICK
And appeared in excellent health. Was pioneer of this section.
Death came to James M. Jones, 1211 north Front street, without warning last evening about 5:40 o'clock and thus a pioneer and highly respected citizen is removed from this community.
During the latter part of the afternoon Mrs. Jones read favorite hymns of Mr. Jones aloud as has often been the manner of spending their Sunday afternoons. Toward evening Mr. Jones swept the snow from the walk in front of the house and returning he was about to tend the fire, when he dropped dead.
Mrs. Jones summoned a physician but Mr. Jones had expired almost immediately and was past human help.
Thos. Roach, a neighbor with whom Mr. Jones had spent many pleasant days during the summer fishing and hunting, for Mr. Jones was a skilled marksman, was talking with his friend when he was stricken with the fatal attack of heart disease.
James Madison Jones was born in Strawsburg, Va., Feb. 11, 1836 and was therefore aged 77 years and 12 days at the time of his death. He came to Niles with his parents Mr. and Mrs. James Jones when a mere boy and has always since resided near or in Niles.
He enjoyed an extensive acquaintance throughout Berrien and Cass counties, having at one time resided near Sumnerville, and he was held in high esteem. He came to Niles to reside two years ago.
Besides the widow, he is survived by nine children and grandchildren. The children are Mrs. Wm. Fluke, Niles; Mrs. E.W. Moore, Salt lake City; Fred and Frank, residing near Dowagiac; Mrs. E.S. Hoover, Niles; Louis, Mobile, Ala.; Miss Alice E. Salt Lake City, Harvey residing near Niles and Carl Jones, of Niles. The following are brothers and sisters of the deceased: A.S. And John of Eureka, Nev.; Mrs. Eli Rodgers, Elkhart, Ind.; Mrs. Wm. Vanderbeck, Kirkwood, Ind.; Mrs. Eliza McCoy, Carson City, Mich., and M.W. Jones, residing near Barren Lake.
Mrs. Moore and Miss Jones will arrive in Niles on Wednesday.
The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Methodist church for many years.
The deceased was a member of the Woodmen of the World and carried a $1,000 insurance in that order.