Jim Jones, a longtime volunteer at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum with a longtime personal history with Route 66 in Odell, Illinois, recently was honored with the President’s Award by the Illinois Route 66 Association.
According to this news release from Ellie Alexander, director of tourism in Pontiac, Illinois:
In making the award, Route 66 Association President, Cathy Stevanovich noted, “Through thick and thin and all that has happened, Jim has persevered and [he] has been available as much as he can for us.”
Jones was involved at the creation of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum located in Pontiac, Illinois. Since its opening in 2004, Jones and the Route 66 Museum have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe. His knowledge of the Mother Road and its history has enlightened many, and his stories of growing up on “America’s Main Street” have entertained all who have been lucky enough to hear them.
Jim began his association with Route 66 at an early age. His father, Richard Jones, opened a service station along Route 66 in Odell, Illinois, in early 1940. Young Jim Jones, age 8, washed windshields, checked oil levels, pumped gas, swept the garage, and put air in tires for his dad. To make a few pennies in spending money, Jim sold bottle of soda pop to passersby. With that sort of personal history, it seemed a natural development for Jones to end up as one of the leading organizers and historians at the Illinois Route 66 Museum.
The Illinois Route Scenic Byway produced this video about Jones a few years ago:
Jones, who now is in his 80s, continues to stop daily at the Route 66 museum in Pontiac to chat with visitors.
The association also recently recognized its inductees to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame:
- 8408 W. Joliet Road in McCook, former site of Snuffy’s 24-Hour Grill
- Clay Dooley Inc. in Bloomington, a tire and auto-repair shop since 1917.
More about the inductees here.
(Image capture of Jim Jones via Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway video)
Jim is an awesome guy and a great ambassador for Route 66. He certainly earned this accolade! Thanks Jim for all your work!
Congratulations JIm, well deserving. Wishing you well, Rich and rest !!
Congratulations Jim, Thank you for your dedication to the Road and to the Route 66 Museum. We could not think of a more deserving person.
Our very best regards, Bill & Barb