John L. Jones

John L. Jones, 69, of Banner County, passed away Aug. 21, 2023, in Gretna, Neb., surrounded by his family. 

A Celebration of Life is planned for 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Civic Center in Gering, Neb., with a lunch to follow. The family asks that attendees wear cheerful colors and bring happy memories. 

Inurnment will be in Gering's West Lawn Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate written stories, memories, and other personal reflections about John that will be compiled into a memory book, which can be shared with his young grandchildren as they grow up.

Memorials can be made to the Banner County School Foundation for a scholarship fund in his name or the Teammates Mentoring Program. Fond memories and condolences may be left at http://www.dugankramer.com for the Jones family.

John was born Feb. 20, 1954, in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Morris L. and Elizabeth C. (Harvey) Jones. A fourth-generation farmer in Banner County, he grew up on his great-grandfather's original homestead. He graduated from Banner County High School in 1972, attended WNCC, and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. Upon graduation, he returned to Banner County where he farmed with his father. 

While helping in the off-season at the May Farms potato plant in Carpenter, Wyo., John met the love of his life, Karin (Moeller), who was teaching in Grover, Colo. They were married in Estes Park, Colo., on June 5, 1982. John continued farming and Karin began teaching at Banner County Schools. The couple welcomed their son Brady in 1986 and their son Shaun in 1989. 

John was affectionately known as a "talker." He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and no one remained a stranger for long. He loved to laugh and joke with people. He loved to tell stories and knew so much family and community history.

His family was his life. Many nights, John could be found at school helping Karin put up bulletin boards or rearrange her room. He was active with his sons' activities: coaching little kids basketball, helping with 4-H projects, transporting one-act sets, chaperoning kids to State Fair and field trips, taking football stats, and so much more. He took time out of his days, sometimes leaving farming tasks unfinished, to attend almost all of the boys' games, concerts, and performances. 

John was immensely proud of his community. He was a member of Twin Tree Chapel, served on the local FSA Board for several years, and was a founding member of the Banner County Wind Energy Association. 

In recent years, John's greatest joy was the addition of four grandchildren. He loved them dearly and spent every ounce of his energy playing with them, even when he wasn't feeling the best. 

John's big smile and easy-going spirit will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his life. 

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karin; sons Brady (Michael Crowe) and Shaun (Cara Erskine); grandchildren Aubree, Kinslee, Hudson, and Emery; aunt Ruth Jones, sister Marcia (Steve) Yaffe; brother H. David Jones; brother-in-law Michael (Renee Murray) Moeller; sister-in-law Donna Whaley; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Richard and Virginia (Finley) Moeller; brother-in-law Matthew Moeller; niece Jennifer (Perks) Moeller; and several beloved aunts and uncles.