April 28, 2006--James Ridgeway Jones, 78, of Elkton, Md., died April 18, at Christiana Hospital in Newark.

Mr. Jones, the seventh of eight children, was born March 16, 1928, at home in Seaford. A graduate of Seaford High School, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware in 1952.

While serving his country as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Korea and Alaska. In civilian life, Mr. Jones enjoyed a 32-year career with Exxon Corporation and was posted with his family at locations around the globe, including assignments in England, France, Argentina, Holland, Japan, Spain, Belgium and Columbia. He retired in 1986.

Mr. Jones was past president of the Exxon Annuitants of Southwest Florida and the Sanibel-Captiva (Fla.) Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed golf, bridge and watching UD football games with his friends. He also loved fishing and towing his grandchildren with his Aquasport Osprey and sailing with buddies on the Chesapeake or on trips to the Bahamas.

Those who knew Mr. Jones will never forget his kindness, wisdom, support and humor. He will be missed dearly.

Mr. Jones is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ester Fouracre Jones; their children, Cynthia Jones Dean, James Ridgeway Jones Jr., and Roger Seabrook Jones; grandchildren, Melina and Mallory Jones; grandchildren whom he helped raise, Erika, Bryant and Julia Dean; his great granddaughter, Cody Dean; four siblings and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 41 Justice Way, Elkton (Elk Neck), Md. Internment will be private.