Wilbur Jones

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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Miller Wrestling Club, P.O. Box 252, Miller, SD 57362, or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) South Dakota Chapter, Attn: Janet Harvey, 5013 South Louise Ave #329, Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Wilbur Roy Jones, 33, of Miller, died on Saturday, August 30, 2025, near his home.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Miller Community Center. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. A visitation with family present will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Miller Community Center.

Born on June 3, 1992, in Huron, SD, to Lowell and Barbara (Sargent) Jones, Wilbur grew up on the family farm near Ree Heights with a deep love for family, farming, and ranching.  He graduated from Miller High School in 2011, where he was active in many activities. He excelled at wrestling, placing 8th at the State Tournament as a junior and 3rd as a senior. He also participated in football, baseball, band as a drummer, 4-H, and FFA. After high school, Wilbur attended Lake Area Technical Institute, graduating in 2013 on the President’s List with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Agri-Production.  

Wilbur returned home to farm and ranch, a career he pursued with dedication and pride with his dad and brothers. As the baby of the family, Wilbur was often teased for having all the luck when it came to farming.  While his brothers joked that everything was handed to him, they all made sure he earned his keep.  Wilbur took the ribbing in stride and worked to keep the family tradition alive.  Ken, Matthew, and Wilbur built their own operations, but were always there to support one another – whether that support was desired or not.   

Wilbur’s extreme competitiveness made him excel at everything he put his mind to. He was always up for a game of darts, a round of golf, or a night of softball. He continued to be part of the wrestling family by volunteering for home tournaments and cheering on his nephews.  Hunting was a true passion of Wilbur’s, entering in many coyote hunts with his friends – often winning or placing well, and using his fancy thermals. 

Wilbur lived a full and joyful life. He had the best smile and the brightest blue eyes, invariably full of mischief. He loved dancing, playing cards, and most of all, spending time with friends and family. Known as the life of the party, he stood up in so many weddings as either a groomsman or best man - he could have inspired the male version of the movie 27 Dresses. Some friends even trusted him to be godfather to their daughter. More than anything, Wilbur treasured his nieces and nephews – whether wrestling on the floor, riding in the tractor, or just being their “favorite uncle.” A couple of his nephews often declared they wanted to be just like Uncle Wilbur when they grew up- fun-loving, playful, and always surrounded by the people he loved most.

Wilbur is survived by his mother, Barb Jones; siblings: Ken (Libby) Jones of Ree Heights, Matthew (Andrea) Jones of Miller, Casper (Ashlie) Jones of Miller, and Lisa (Jordan) Thornberg of Walhalla, ND; and by his beloved nieces and nephews: Tobias and Maverick Jones; Mia, Rowdy, Wilder, and Havick Jones; Malachi and Miley Jones; and Rayza, Ryatt, and Reese Thornberg; and his faithful dog, Koda. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Lowell Jones; grandparents: Kenneth and Dorothy Sargent, and Wilbur and Evelyn Jones; his infant sister, Jennifer; and infant nephew, Micah Thornberg. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You are not alone.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Wilbur's arrangements.