James Alex Jones Remembered: Leland Community Mourns After Tragic Crash on Mt. Misery Road

LELAND, N.C. — The close-knit town of Leland is grappling with a profound sense of loss and grief following a tragic multi-vehicle collision that claimed the life of 66-year-old James Alex Jones. The accident occurred on the night of June 6, shortly before 9:40 p.m., on the 3100 block of Mt. Misery Road — a stretch of roadway known for its limited visibility and tight, winding lanes. As the community comes together to process the sudden and devastating loss, tributes and memories are pouring in for a man whose life meant so much to so many.

James Alex Jones, a long-standing resident of Leland, was a familiar face to countless individuals across the area. Whether through his involvement in civic duties, neighborhood gatherings, or simply his daily routines that often brought him into contact with others, he left an indelible impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. News of his untimely death has cast a long shadow over the community, with neighbors, friends, and family reeling from the unexpected tragedy.

A Tragic Evening on a Treacherous Road

The events of June 6 have shaken the foundation of what many considered an ordinary evening. According to preliminary reports from authorities, the collision took place along Mt. Misery Road, a narrow, poorly illuminated thoroughfare that has long been a source of concern for local residents and traffic safety advocates alike. At approximately 9:38 p.m., multiple vehicles became entangled in what police are calling a “high-impact collision,” though the precise details remain under investigation.

Emergency personnel from the Leland Fire/Rescue Department and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office responded within minutes of the first 911 call. The scene was described as chaotic, with crumpled vehicles, debris strewn across the roadway, and motorists in visible distress. Amid the wreckage was Jones, whose vehicle had sustained catastrophic damage. Despite rapid efforts by first responders to administer life-saving aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Other drivers and passengers involved in the crash were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, some reportedly suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators have yet to release a full account of the circumstances leading to the collision, but they have indicated that speed and road conditions may have played significant roles.

Mt. Misery Road: A History of Hazards

The location of the fatal crash has renewed long-standing concerns among Leland residents. Mt. Misery Road, though vital for daily commuting and access to several residential areas, has often been cited in public forums as a dangerous stretch of highway. Its narrow width, combined with sharp turns, minimal lighting, and limited shoulder space, make it particularly hazardous after dark.

Over the years, local residents have petitioned the town and county for upgrades, including widened lanes, additional signage, and improved street lighting. While some measures have been implemented, many say progress has been too slow and the improvements too minimal to make a meaningful impact.

“This road has taken too many lives,” one neighbor remarked during a candlelight vigil held near the site of the crash. “We’ve been asking for change for years, and now another innocent life is gone. It’s time to act.”

Town officials acknowledged the growing frustration during a press briefing following the accident. They pledged to re-evaluate the roadway’s design and safety features in light of the latest tragedy, noting that public input will be critical to shaping any new infrastructure efforts.

A Life of Quiet Impact and Steady Integrity

As the investigation continues, the focus in Leland has shifted toward remembering the man behind the name — a man many describe as the embodiment of dignity, generosity, and reliability. Jones was known not only as a devoted family member but also as a community-oriented individual who lived his life with integrity and compassion.

He spent most of his adult life in Leland, becoming a fixture in the community. His routine walks around the neighborhood, warm greetings at the local hardware store, and active participation in town meetings made him a familiar and welcome presence.

“His presence brought comfort,” said one neighbor. “He was never the loudest person in the room, but you always knew he was listening, paying attention, and caring in a way that really mattered.”

Friends describe him as someone who could always be counted on — whether it was helping a neighbor carry groceries, volunteering to repair a fence, or simply offering a ride to someone whose car had broken down. He had an affinity for old country music, classic cars, and quiet evenings spent tending to his small but meticulously maintained garden.

A Family Devastated by Sudden Loss

For Jones’s family, the loss is not only profound — it is disorienting. The man they relied upon for strength, wisdom, and unconditional love is now suddenly and cruelly absent. Relatives have expressed their sorrow and disbelief, struggling to comprehend how a man so full of life could be taken so quickly.

“He was our rock,” one family member shared in a written statement. “The person we called when we were unsure. The person who always had the right words — or just sat beside us when words weren’t needed. We’re lost without him.”

Plans for funeral arrangements are underway, with family members requesting privacy as they navigate the complexities of grief. However, they have indicated that a public memorial service will be held in the coming weeks to allow friends, neighbors, and acquaintances the opportunity to say their goodbyes and celebrate his life.

A Community in Mourning, a Call to Action

The impact of Jones’s passing is being felt well beyond his immediate circle. Churches have included special prayers in his memory. Local businesses have set up tribute displays and donation jars to assist the family with funeral costs. Even schools are discussing ways to help young people in the community process the tragedy and learn about road safety in his honor.

At the heart of the mourning is a shared sense of vulnerability — the realization that even the most careful, experienced drivers are at risk when infrastructure fails to meet safety standards. Leland residents are channeling their grief into a renewed effort to push for change.

“I don’t want to hear about another crash on this road,” said one community activist. “Let this be the moment when we finally listen to the warnings and take real, lasting steps to protect people.”

Remembering a Legacy of Kindness and Steadfastness

Though his voice is now silent, Jones’s legacy continues to speak volumes. It can be heard in the gentle laughter shared over stories of his past, seen in the eyes of those he helped along the way, and felt in the hearts of those who continue to walk the same streets where he once strolled.

His life was not defined by fame or fortune, but by the quiet, steadfast acts of care that define true character. He was the kind of man who didn’t seek recognition — who lived not for accolades but for the wellbeing of those around him.

In many ways, Jones represented the very best of Leland: humility, strength, loyalty, and a deep-seated sense of neighborly love. It is in these qualities that the community will remember him — not just today, not just in the aftermath of tragedy, but for years to come.

The Road Ahead

As Mt. Misery Road remains under review and traffic investigators continue piecing together the events of that fateful night, one truth remains indisputable: a deeply valued life was lost, and the community is forever altered by his absence.

In the weeks ahead, as memorial services are held, petitions signed, and policy discussions begin to take shape, Jones’s memory will continue to guide and inspire. His death was a tragedy, but his life was a gift — one that those who knew him will carry forward with love, gratitude, and an enduring call to action.

For now, Leland mourns. But even in mourning, the community holds fast to the light of the man it has lost — a beacon that will shine quietly in its collective heart for generations to come.