JEREMIAH JONES JR.

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Jeremiah "Bozo" Jones Jr. was born on Jan. 12, 1946, in Orangeburg, to the late Jeremiah Jones Sr. and Edna J. Buckery. He was reared by the late Walter Buckery.

Jeremiah departed this life on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Vera J. China and Alma J. Matthews; and a brother, Eugene Buckery.

Jeremiah attended the public schools in Sumter and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. Jeremiah was drafted into the United States Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and he received many decorations, medals and badges, of which some were the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign medal and 1 O/S Bar Sharpshooter (Rifle). He was honorably discharged on Jan. 1, 1975, PV2. While serving in the military and stationed in Hawaii, he often shared his experiences with family and friends. Jeremiah was also a first class brick mason. After his being discharged from the Army, he worked with Boyle Construction, until his health failed.

As a child, Jeremiah attended St. James Church. He came often because of his upbringing by his parents. Early in life, Jeremiah became a member of St. James United Methodist Church. He exemplified the Christian life. Jeremiah was very loving and kind and was always willing to share whatever he had, especially with his nieces and nephews. "Bozo," as he was affectionately called, was very well known not only in the Sumter community, but every place he lived. He was no stranger to anyone. "What's up?" was one of his favorite questions when he greeted others. A smile was always on his face. Jeremiah was a sharp dresser and loved to wear bright colors.

Jeremiah made his peace with God. He was encouraged by listening to some of his favorite hymns such as "Blessed Assurance," "Amazing Grace" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." He was recently overheard singing the song "Jesus Loves Me" while in his room at National Healthcare. He also loved to listen to a variety of music such as Elvis Pressley, Gladys Knight, James Brown and The Temptations.

Jeremiah was given special care by Rapha Residential Care of Gaston, Kenneth Hamilton, Michelle Olsen and staff, National Health Care of Sumter, Caris Healthcare Hospice of Sumter, caregiver Laverna Adams and son Darius Adams, who read to him, sang along with him and danced for him.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two brothers, Sylvester E. (Ada Lyn) Jones of Mayesville and Stanley Buckery of Atlanta; one sister, Annette (James) Thompson of Sumter; one uncle, Herbert (Lucille) Kennedy of Saint Matthews; a brother-in-law, Howard Matthews of Jersey City, New Jersey; devoted friends, John Willis, Jesse Watkins and Stacey Ragin; and countless nephews, nieces and cousins, who all greeted him with a special smile when he would come around.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, James and Annette Thompson, 2415 Wedgefield Road, Sumter, and at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, 5345 Shari Lane, Mayesville.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at St. James United Methodist Church, 720 Broad St., Sumter, with Pastor Cheryl Johnson, eulogist.

The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. for viewing until time of services.

The procession will leave at 11:20 a.m. from the home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to VFW or to a charity of your choice.

Burial will be at Hillside Memorial Park, 3001 Cains Mill Road, Sumter.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.