James "Babe" Lee Jones Jr

Shawnee resident James “Babe” Lee Jones Jr., 72, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Shawnee.

Babe, the son of James Jones and Cora Jones, was born October 13, 1948 in Seminole.  He grew up in Bowlegs, he then went to school at Haskell Indian School in Lawrence Kansas.  After high school, James spent two years at Okmulgee Tech.  James proudly served in the United States Marine Corp.   James was a librarian, working at Haskell Indian Nations University, until health issues forced him to retire.  James was very talented doing beadwork, making jewelry and slate engraving.   James made many friends over the years with students and staff.

James was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George Howard; and a sister, Belinda Jones-Harjoche.

He is survived by his sisters, Rose Wilson and Georgia Little Axe, and a host of other family and friends.

Viewing for James will begin Sunday, June 13 at 1:00 PM at Swearingen Funeral Home.  A wake is set from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, Sunday evening at the funeral home.  Services will be Monday, June 14, at 1:00 PM at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at the Seminole Nation Veteran’s Cemetery in Seminole.  Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.