General C. Jones, 86

General C. Jones, 86, died on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Billings. After several months of declining health, he died peacefully in his sleep. He spent his last hours listening to his family tell their favorite stories about him and expressing their gratitude for his contributions.

He was born on July 25, 1934, near Sylva, North Carolina, to Carey and Eva Jones. He was the fifth born of eight children and was the last surviving child. He and his family moved to Ashton, Idaho, at a young age, where they grew up and attended school and worked on potato farms. He came to Libby with friends in 1952 to work at J. Neils Lumber Company. He met Arlene and they married in 1956 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

General enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until he was honorably discharged. He returned to Libby and purchased a logging truck. He hauled logs for 37 years and retired at 62 years old. He always had a reputation for being a hard worker and was always willing to help someone if they needed it. In his retirement he farmed Christmas trees, fished, hunted with his dog, told stories and had coffee with friends, and most of all enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and all his siblings.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene Jones; children, Debbie Short (Darren), Curt Jones (Billie Jo), Doreen Gullingsrud (Rick), and Christine Miller (Jerry); grandchildren, Niki Wilkins, Cassie Grinder, Ryan Jones, Travis Jones, Chad Gullingsrud and Nicholas Miller; and great-grandchildren, Kaylee Wilkins, Blace Grinder, Gracie Jones, Hayden Gullingsrud, Ella Gullingsrud, Lennox Gullingsrud, Nolan Jones and Audrey Jones.

There will be no public services per General’s request. People wishing to honor him are encouraged to share memories and stories with his family or make a donation to Kootenai Pets for Life. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.