JOHN “JOHNNY” JONES

The memorial service for John “Johnny” Jones will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Zion Reformed Church in Amherst. Rev. Hal Phoenix will officiate the service.

John “Johnny” Allen Jones was born February 18, 1977 in Britton, SD to Doane “Miller” and Linda (Severson) Jones. He attended the school for the deaf in Sioux Falls, SD until he was 14. He returned to Amherst and completed high school in Britton, SD.

Johnny was someone who was always tinkering with many different things. He did not enjoy sitting still for very long. Over the years he worked many professions, including the Ford garage in Groton, SD and a farm hand for some time. For his entire life he suffered with renal disease but he never let that slow him down - he kept fighting every day until the end of his life.

Johnny passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen, SD at the age of 47.

He is survived by his fiancé, Becky Varner; his sister, Joyce (Daniel) Himanga; many nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews, aunts and uncles.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Miller and Linda Jones; maternal and paternal grandparents; and two brothers.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Joyce Himanga – PO Box 151 Ipswich, SD 57451.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.olsonfuneralchapel.com

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Poll: REGIONS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE? A legislative task force is considering a plan to organize South Dakota’s ambulance services into eight to 14 regions, potentially with state oversight and funding to help keep emergency medical services sustainable. The proposal comes as many ambulance services face financial challenges, low reimbursement rates and an aging, often volunteer workforce. Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure an ambulance can respond when someone calls 911, but establishing the regions and determining how they would be funded could take years. Do you support creating regional ambulance service systems with state oversight and potential state funding?

Yes, regional systems could help ensure reliable ambulance service.

No, ambulance services should remain organized locally.

Unsure. I would need more information about how it would work.

10/27/2026 – 11/27/2100