James Roy Sone

James "Roy" Sone, 86, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Sunday, September 8, 2019, at Villa Marie Nursing Home. He was born June 28, 1933, in Jefferson City, the only child of Guy McClure and Ruth Wells Sone. Roy spent nearly all of his life in Jefferson City and was proud of his heritage as a descendent of Cole County's earliest settlers. A 1951 graduate of Jefferson City High School, he also graduated in 1955 with a degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Following his graduation, Roy enlisted in the United States Army. While at the University of Missouri, he met Joyce Randall on a blind date. The two married in Joyce's hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri, on February 14, 1959. Roy used his interest and vast knowledge of native plants as an Agronomist with the Missouri State Highway Department from 1961 until his retirement in 1992. Roy was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a long-time member of the Jefferson City Country Club and the Cole County Historical Society. After his retirement from the Highway Department, he kept busy volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Jefferson City, and AARP as a tax preparer. Despite various activities, there was nowhere Roy was happier or more comfortable than at home, tinkering around the house, or especially cutting wood on his land. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Joyce; two children, James Roy "Jim" Sone,Jr. of Jefferson City and Stacy Ruth Sone of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Mallory Miller Sone of St. Louis and Spencer Randall Sone of Jefferson City; and a cousin, Ruthmary Wells McConnell of Somerset, Ky. His family remembers him so fondly for his generous but frugal nature, his masterful wood-cutting ability, his enjoyment of the outdoors including backpacking adventures in Colorado, his respect for the United States flag and the great country it represents, his love of music (Mozart and Beethoven were two of his favorites), and his affection for family pets. Most of all, he will be remembered for his love of family, his eagerness to provide, and his dry wit. Visitation will be at the First Presbyterian Church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Angela Madden and the Reverend Dr. David Henry officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com