James I.B. "Jim" Jones, a prominent leader in Pickens, died at his home Tuesday, October 2, following a year of declining health.

Mr. Jones served the City of Pickens for 22 years as an elected member of city council and as Mayor Pro Tem. He was also a retired masonry contractor and a former supervisor for Pickens County Public Works.

Anita Cope, clerk of court for The City of Pickens and who worked with Mr. Jones when he served on council, said that Jones worked tirelessly in making Pickens a better place for all its citizens.

"Mr. Jones served on city council for a number of years," she said. "He was a voice for the people and took his role as their representative very seriously.

"He worked with the police department and Chief Wendal Jenkins to make Pickens a safe place to live and to ensure fair and equal treatment for all the citizens," she said.

Cope said that Mr. Jones was a kind and thoughtful person throughout his tenure on city council.

"On a personal note, Mr. Jones was a friend, and he remained a caring and helpful advisor following his service on council," she said. I could always look forward to a pleasant greeting when we saw one another, and he never failed to ask about my son and my family.

"Mr. Jones will be missed very much," Cope said.

Connie Gilstrap, Pickens City treasurer, said that as a member of council overseeing the water and sewer division, Jones worked diligently toward that department's ability to meet the needs of its citizens.

"Mr. Jones was a good man, and he made significant contributions to the water and sewer department," she said. "He worked hard to get the water system upgraded, and he did anything he could to make it better for the community."

"He was a very good man and we will miss him deeply," Gilstrap said.

State Senator Larry Martin said that Jones was respected by both city and county residents.

"The Pickens community lost one of its most dedicated public servants with the passing of Jim Jones," Martin said. "I thoroughly enjoyed knowing and working with him during his long tenure on city council.

"He had the respect and confidence of the people of Pickens, as evidenced by the huge vote that he always received in city elections," Martin said. "Pickens is a much better place today because of the life and work of Jim Jones.

"Susan joins me in expressing our heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Jones and the entire Jones family," Martin said.

Mr. Jones, 73, leaves behind his wife, Mary, of Pickens; and his daughters, Cathy (Floyd) Alcorn, of Alpharetta, GA, and Carmen Jones, of Dallas, Texas.

Also surviving Mr. Jones are his brother, John D. Jones, or Ft. Washington, MD; sisters, Carolyn Burton of Catonsville, MD; Emily Davis, of Hartford, CO; and Tina Hendricks and Essie Davis, both of Pickens.

Mr. Jones was predeceased by daughters Rhonda Murphy and April Rhodes.

Carmen Jones, daughter of the late Mr. Jones, said that the outpouring of support the family received during her father's illness and death is deeply appreciated by the family.

"My father was a good and loving man, and we will miss him," she said. "We are all grateful for the wonderful support and love we received from this community during this time.

"The kind words and actions given us by the people of Pickens will always be remembered," Ms. Jones said. "We are thankful to everyone who helped us and encouraged us through deed, words and prayers."