John Daniel "Pooh" Jones, Jr., 52, of Olney, Illinois, passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

John was born on October 6, 1973, in Olney, Illinois, the son of John Daniel "J.D." Jones, Sr. and Deborah Jeanne (Novak) Jones.

Pooh was a devoted son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He worked for many years at the Walmart Distribution Center as an assistant coach, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of countless coworkers.

An avid fisherman, Pooh loved nothing more than being on the water in search of the next big bass. Whether the fish were biting or not, he enjoyed every minute spent on the boat. When he wasn't fishing, he enjoyed going to the gym. He liked lifting weights, but if you asked his buddies at Fit by G, they may tell you his favorite exercise was talking. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like a friend.

He never met a stranger and was known for his quick-witted sarcasm, contagious sense of humor, and unique way of giving people a hard time, a sure sign that he liked you. He had an endless curiosity and loved learning. If someone mentioned a problem, there was a good chance Pooh would spend the next few hours researching it, not because anyone asked him to, but because he wanted to help. He genuinely enjoyed helping others, no matter the problem.

Above all else, Pooh loved his children, his family, and his friends. They were the center of his life, and the memories they shared together will be treasured forever. The loss of Pooh leaves an unimaginable void in the hearts of his family and friends. While his time here was much too short, the love, laughter, and memories he gave so freely will remain with those who knew him long after his passing.

John is survived by his father, John Daniel "J.D." Jones, Sr. of Olney; his children, Dylan Mathew, Madalyn Kathleen, and Jaxsen Jagger Jones of Olney; his brother, Shawn Jones and wife, Gwyn, of Oreana, Illinois; his nieces, Riley Logan and husband, Nate, Brynnlee Jones, and Pyper Jones; his nephew, Sawyer Jones, all of Oreana; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Jean Jones; his brother, Jeremy Steven "Mooch" Jones; his maternal grandparents, Stanley and Geneva Novak; and his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Audrey Jones.

Pooh found peace on the water and joy in the stories that came with every fishing trip. In his memory, the family asks that you throw a couple of lines in the water, maybe take a kid with you, and don't forget to tell everyone about the big fish you caught or had hooked but didn't make it in the boat.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. (Payable to John Jones)

Visitation will be held at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney IL on Monday, July 13, 2026 from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Olney, IL on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Olney.