Paul Richard Jones

Paul Jones, 85, of Adel, Iowa passed away peacefully on September 20th, 2016 at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines surrounded by family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday September 26, 2016 at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel with burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Friends may call after Noon Sunday at the funeral home where family will greet friends from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. with Masonic Rites at 5:00 p.m. Paul R. Jones was born on December 4th, 1930 to Carl and Helen (Orton) Jones near Adel, IA. Paul was a 1948 graduate of Adel High School where he distinguished himself both academically and in athletics and was inducted into the ADM Hall of Fame. Paul continued his education at Grinnell College where he played football and served as the team captain in 1955. His college years were interrupted when he chose to serve in the US Navy for 4 years during the Korean War. Paul and Helen Hilton were married in 1952 and together they had 5 children. Paul’s vocation was that of a passionate educator. During his 37 years in education as a teacher, coach and administrator, Paul encouraged, challenged and mentored students, faculty and staff at Lake View Community Schools, Grinnell Community Schools and Marshalltown High School. After completing his Masters Degree from Drake Paul served as an administrator at Dallas Center Grimes, Springville, and Dexfield Community Schools. After many years as a superintendent Paul found great joy returning to Dallas Center Grimes and serving as the school district’s elementary principal. He thrived on the energy provided by his staff and students. Paul married Janice Gibbons in 1978 and together they enjoyed travel, friends and especially hosting guests at their Grey Goose Bed and Breakfast in rural Adel. It was a special gift Paul found at an early age to combine fun with hard work. He proudly served on numerous boards and civic organizations. He found special satisfaction serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth in Central Iowa. His selfless dedication was acknowledged as he was named CASA volunteer of the year. Paul loved nurturing his garden, raising his Angus cattle, and congregating with friends over card games and at the fitness club. He often shared his emotional roller coaster ride of being a fan of the Cubs, Bears, Hawkeyes and Central College Football teams with family and friends. Paul had a passion for life and a gift of connecting with people. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ethel, brothers Ray and Lee, and his oldest daughter Paula (Bob Chambers). Paul is survived by his loving wife Janice, his daughter Carla Hilton (William) of Muscatine, sons Randy (Julie) of Ames, Doug (Susan) of Redfield, and Eric (Brenda) of Pella, and step sons Jeff Gibbons (Barb) of Ontario, California and Kent Gibbons of Des Moines, sister Dorothy Smith of Peachtree City, GA and brother Clark (Violet) Jones of Sandown, NH. Also carrying on Paul's legacy are 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Paul’s request is that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Redfield Christian Church's Snack Sack program or bring a children’s book that will be donated. Online condolences may be left on this site.