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Our hearts are heavy to announce that Jane Ann Maxwell-Jones, 69, of Emmett, Idaho, passed away in her home on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
Jane was born January 14, 1952, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to John Almus and Mary Jo Maxwell. She attended Oklahoma State University where she studied art and history, but left college to marry Gary W. Knowles in Oklahoma City in 1971. They had two children, Mary Heather, and Jason Almus Knowles. In 1979 they moved to Colorado because of their love of camping in the Rocky Mountains but divorced in 1995.
Jane was extremely hard working and dedicated to excellence in everything she did. She worked for the IRS for over 25 years, starting as a secretary but then moved up the ranks. She went back to college to get her Associate Business degree, then become a tax auditor, manager and eventually a local taxpayer advocate. She received awards for her meritorious service and leadership and was always proud of the work and her team’s accomplishments. She retired in 2014.
She met George C. Jones through a friend at work and married in 1999. They lived on a small plot of land in Erie, Colorado where she could passionately garden and raise her chickens. She loved hosting her blended family, cooking and caring for all her children and grandchildren. She and George then moved to Emmett, Idaho in 2006 when she was promoted to regional taxpayer advocate. She formed new relationships and friendships with colleagues and neighbors. Together they cherished the beauty of Idaho, camping alongside beautiful lakes and exploring local festivals and car shows.
Jane appreciated the beauty in the natural world and loved all animals, especially her “fur babies.” She had horses as a young girl, barrel raced for fun, and monitored closely the hummingbirds migrating through her yard each year. She loved the sight of a soaring eagle, or the sound of a babbling stream. She played the guitar and dulcimer and relished in the song of bagpipes. She was an avid reader of history and enjoyed learning about her Scottish heritage. Jane delighted in traveling to new places, experiencing them as a local would. She visited New York City multiple times to see her daughter and was fearless commuting around the city on the subway and buses. When she traveled for business, she always made time to visit a historical site or museum and find a trinket or gift for her colleagues. She discovered the tranquility of beach vacations with George, visiting Hawaii or Mexico frequently. She would always find time to investigate an old church, or bargain for some pottery or jewelry when she wasn’t snorkeling or lounging on the beach.
She was a devoted Christian and volunteer, most recently with Eagle Christian Church where she applied her faith ardently to the weekly prayer list. She was tremendously proud of her kids and grandkids, and a steadfast and caring friend to many. She was loving and supportive to anyone in need, and she will be truly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, John Allen Maxwell; stepbrother, Jack Pipkin and ex-husband, Gary Wilson Knowles.
Jane is survived by her husband, George C. Jones; children Mary Heather Knowles, PhD, and Jason Almus Knowles; granddaughter, Riley Ann Knowles; stepchildren, Andrea Jones, Christopher Jones (wife Lisa), Sabrina Hassell (husband Kris), Jennifer Jones; step-grandchildren, Damian, Crystal, Gino, Josh, Christian, Kyler, Kristopher Jr, Megan, Brock, Kaitlyn, step-great-grandson Emerson, and nephews, John Almus and Cody Alexander Maxwell, plus Charley the loyal and goofy golden retriever, as well as various other cousins.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be delayed until a future date. In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial donations to the Pet Adoption League of Gem County, or Wounded Warriors Project. The links for information to donate are provided below.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane Ann Maxwell-Jones, please visit our floral store.
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256
Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Emmett Pet Adoption League
1526 N. Washington Ave., Emmett ID 83617
Tel: 1-208-365-1359
Email: Contact@petadoptionleague.net
Web: http://petadoptionleague.net/