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Community members responded to the recent death of The Selma Times-Journal Managing Editor James Jones by reflecting on his life and work. Friends described Jones as having a big heart and deep passion for sports and local community coverage.

Jones’s Sept. 12 death left a void in our hearts and our newsroom. His “big shoes” are indeed difficult to fill.

Here is a sample of what readers said about Jones in the days following his death.

“I just wanted to share my memories of James for the past 19 years. James was my daughter’s, Tatyana ‘Tot’ as he called her, Godfather. Tot was his pride and joy. Even though he did not have any biological children, he treated her as his very own. When James moved from Pensacola over to Biloxi, he drove once per month to see Tot so they could have their shopping and lunch day together and that continued even after he moved to Selma. My daughter, at the age of 15, taught James how to cook spaghetti. He was so proud of his spaghetti, he made it three times back to back. Even at the age of 19, James still called her “the baby” and he never wanted her to grow up.  We are definitely going to miss that contagious smile and big personality.” — Wendi Blankenship

I’m James’s goddaughter, and I wanted to share about the times we went to go get ice cream when he visited. He always got Reese’s cup and cookie dough. They were always his go to ice cream flavors.” — Tatyana Blankenship

“As high school radio announcer for Pascagoula High School (Mississippi), I spent many Friday nights with James in the press box when he was covering the game for the Sun Herald. His sarcasm and laughter while listening to me do the game always made for a fun night. He always provided us half-time stats and would join us to pick SEC games. It hurts my heart to hear this news. My prayers and condolences go to all of his family and those who  knew him. He definitely carried a bright light in this world.” — Bill Glenn

“I am so sorry to hear about James Jones. Sending thoughts and prayers to both his family, and his work-family.” — Leigh Leigh Tortorici, Alabama Press Association

“Praying for the family. We started at Stillman College together in 1988 and graduated in 1992 together.” Tamika Glover Dial

“James and I covered Mississippi high school sports for competing publications for years, and he was always pleasant, helpful and hardworking. He was the kind of person you were always happy to see. Prayers to his family and friends.” — Creg Stephenson

“So sad to hear. James was such a great guy and when I worked at Morgan [Academy he] was so sweet about taking pictures of Clayton O’Shields for me and sending them to me . He was always the nicest and would always come speak when you saw him out and about . He will be so missed in our community.” — Kelly Williamson Lightfoot

“I sat next to James 20-25 years ago at the Sun Herald in Biloxi. He’s one of the funniest people I ever met. There’s things he said that still make me laugh. Please let me know if there is any kind of collection being collected to help his family out with medical bills, funeral expenses, a donation in his name, etc.” — Timothy Boone

“James covered Morgan Academy’s pee wee football team all four seasons that I helped coach. He would come to games, practices and even a few prep rallies! He was on the field with us so much, I called him ‘Coach James.’ He will be missed!” — Lee Calame

“I am deeply saddened at the news of James passing away. James was a high school classmate and good friend. James was always known to us during school as ‘Mad Dog’ because when we played football he would growl like a dog. The stories that could be told about Kenny.” — Rick Clark

“I wanted to reach out to you all and give my heartfelt condolences on the passing of James ‘Ken’ Jones. Ken was a childhood best friend back home here in Tuscaloosa. We had lost touch of the years but our family loved him dearly. Oh the stories I could tell about him as we grew up in a quiet, rural area of Tuscaloosa. There was never a sad moment with Ken. He always had a smile. Even when it wasn’t on his face you could see it in his eyes. — Kevin McDaniel

“This breaks my heart!! My thoughts and prayers for his family. I had the pleasure of meeting James and could see the passion he had for covering the news and making sure he got all the details about the story correct. Sending love to all of his family.” — Jamie Tellier

“So happy to know James made a big impact working and living in historic Selma. James worked his tail off in the 90s and into the new millennium to localize content along Mississippi Coast at the Sun Herald newspaper. He also knew Univ. of Alabama athletics and New Orleans Saints stuff like the back of his hand. We competed for info on stories but maintained a solid friendship. He was already a pro when I was still learning the journalism craft. Saddened to hear this but rest now, James.” — Thomas Warner

“We did not see each other often but stayed in touch over the years. We have been friends since elementary school, and I am very thankful for the opportunity of calling him a friend. I was thrilled he came to our 30th reunion, and now it makes it even more special. He never forgot my birthday and never missed a chance to tag me in something significant going on in the world. I will miss his random messages asking the most random questions, that about sums up our friendship!  If he had a question about something, he knew he could ask me. I am sad this day has come but will look forward to seeing him again.” — Carrie Cameron

“My name is Melissa Scallan, and I worked with James Jones at the Sun Herald for 14 years. All of James’s friends at the paper were so sad to hear James died, but we appreciate the story you published on Facebook. It looks like he had built himself a great life in Selma and made some good friends. James was a great guy, and we all are shocked and sad about his passing. Thanks again for publishing a great story about our friend. I know you all will miss him terribly.” — Melissa Scallan

Editor’s note: At press time, more than 316 readers commented on social media or emailed editorial staff to express their sorrow over Jones’s death and describe how his work impacted their lives. These are just a few of the many condolences submitted to honor him.