John M. Jones

John M. Jones (formerly John Steger), 82, of Billings passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2026.

He was born on July 27, 1943, in Chicago, Ill. to Agnes Jean (Silvers) and Peter John Steger. Born as John Steger, he was adopted at the age of six by his mother’s second husband, Ernest E. Jones Jr., and became John Martin Jones.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961-1966. Sergeant John Jones was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Benning, Honolulu, Korea, and Vietnam. He completed a combat tour in An Khê, South Vietnam, with the 1st Air Cavalry Division from 1965-1966.

In 1964, he married Shirley Jean Francis (Phelps) Jones, and together they had three children: Michael, Pamela and Thomas.

In 1992, he married Lili (Huynh) Jones. Together they shared nearly 34 years of marriage. In 1998, John and Lili retired to Billings where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Jones worked as a journeyman wireman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers from 1969 until his retirement in 1998. For much of his career, he worked for IBEW 701 at Pinner Electric Company in Brookfield, eventually serving as the company’s vice president.

He had a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. He especially enjoyed working on CB radios and electronics, photography—complete with his own darkroom—and computers. He was also a devoted animal lover and always shared his home with beloved pets, often caring for several at a time.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Lili; his daughter, Pamela; his son, Thomas; two grandchildren, Andrew and Danielle; other family and friends.

Jones was preceded in death by his son, Michael; his brother, Wayne; his father, Peter; his mother, Agnes; his stepfather, Ray; his stepfather, Ernest; his wife Lili’s parents, and most recently, his beloved double cousin, Lucy (“Tootsie” to him).

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.