John Hardwick Jones, age 47

John Hardwick Jones, age 47 of Forest City passed away January 3, 2016.

He was born July 9, 1967 in Rutherford County and was preceded in death by his father, Robert Alden Jones, Sr. in 1982. He was a graduate of East Rutherford High School and was reared in the First Baptist Church of Forest City. John achieved success from an early age by earning his Eagle Scout Badge with Forest City Troop 125, and received a Bachelor of Science in Business from Appalachian State University.

John was a very driven and gifted businessman. He was instrumental in the growth and success of Prime Lending from its early stages as a small brokerage firm in Dallas, Texas to a prominent national lender. Upon returning to NC, John earned a second Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2010. John later became, and worked volunteering his services as a Paramedic.

Survivors include his mother, Nancy Hardwick Jones of Forest City, a brother, Robert Alden "Bobby" Jones, Jr. of Raleigh, a sister, Dr. Pamela Jones Hendrickson of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and his nephew, Robert Alden Jones, III, of Franklinton, NC.

A memorial service will be held at one o'clock Saturday in The Padgett and King Chapel with Reverend Dr. Garin Hill and Reverend J. Anthony Spencer officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the mortuary. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Troop, 125, Post Office Box 504, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139 or the charity of the donors' choice.

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.