James Lewis JonesK. Sr., retired Supernumerary Sheriff of Shelby County, Alabama, joined Christ on Friday, July 6, 2007 at the age of 71. Sheriff Jones began his career in law enforcement in 1974 at the Shelby County Sheriff&8217;s Office, serving as a Deputy Sheriff and then Chief Deputy before seeking the Office of Sheriff. He was elected Sheriff in 1991 and served three terms before retiring in 2003.

As a member of the law enforcement community, he served the citizens of Shelby County faithfully throughout his career and made public safety his top priority. He was a 1975 graduate of the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and served as President of his class. In 1982, he graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation&8217;s National Academy and continued to enhance his abilities with programs through the National Sheriff&8217;s Institute, United States Secret Service, National Institute of Corrections, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, National Sheriff&8217;s Association, and the Alabama Sheriff&8217;s Association where he served as Chaplain. He was appointed to the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Sheriff Jones was very involved in the development of the Shelby County Law Enforcement Chaplain&8217;s Association and the C.A.R.E. Team specializing in critical incident stress management. After his retirement, he was appointed by Governor Bob Riley to the State Safety Committee and was a member of the Silver Haired Legislature.

He also served on many advisory boards for local programs including Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Owen&8217;s House, Shelby County 911, Salvation Army, and was a lifetime member of the Alabama Fraternal Order of Police.

During his twelve years as Sheriff, many progressive changes were instituted and difficult high profile cases solved. Hard work and dedication made Sheriff Jones a law enforcement leader known throughout the State of Alabama.

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Sheriff Jones and Debbi enjoyed many hours traveling throughout the country. Combining his love for motorcycles and his love for the Lord, he organized a group of &8220;Bikers&8221; at The Church at Brook Hills who traveled and worshipped together and became his second family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Heywood and Mildred Jones, son Cam Marcus Jones, brother Charles Jones, and twin sister Janie Ray. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Debbi, daughter Regina (Jay) Sobczak, son James L. &8220;Buck&8221; Jones, Jr., grandchildren Lee (Lakita) Brock, James Lann Jones, Jordan Marie Jones, and great grandchildren, Alyssa, Caroline, Ivy and Christian Brock.

A special thanks goes out to the caring staff of men and women of the ICU and IMCU at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

The family would also like to send heartfelt appreciation and love to all the special friends who spent countless hours with them during the extended illness.

The family received friends Monday evening, July 9th, at The Church at Brook Hills from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral service was held at The Church at Brook Hills on Tuesday, July 10th, at 2:00 pm with burial to follow at the family cemetery on the Jones property, located in Wilsonville on Highway 30.