Obituary of Ven. Archdeacon John F.N. Jones

JONES, JOHN F.N. THE VEN - at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen, NB, on Thursday, September 27th, 2007; the Venerable Archdeacon John Francis Nantlais Jones, husband of Alice Joyce (Crowley) Jones of St. Andrews, NB. Born in Clydach Swansea South Wales,on April 17, 1924; he is the son of the late Emrys and Bessie (Samuel) Jones. Surviving in addition to his wife Alice are his daughter Dr. E. Shani Jones, son in law David Moore of Moncton, NB, his beloved welsh corgi Annie, sister - in- laws Marion Rowan, Phyllis Strang and Betty Crowley, and their families all of Fredericton. He was predeceased by his grand dogs Taffy and Jenny. John received his early education at the Emmanuel Grammar School and Bible College in Swansea. Much of his childhood was spent singing as a boy soprano. He was eight times winner in solo competitions in the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales, at one time a regular BBC broadcaster and described in an issue of the "Western Mail" dated Aug 16, 1948 as the holder of "999 prizes for singing, including 98 cups and hundreds of medals". He abandoned his career as a singer to enter the Church, and later received his L.TH. and Diploma in Theology from the Brotherhood of St. Paul Theological College in Yorkshire, England. During the war he served with Missions to Seamen. After being ordained Deacon of St. Marys' Church, Clydach in 1948, John immigrated to Fredericton, NB to serve as Curate of Christ Church Parish Church until 1950. He was ordained Priest by the Bishop of Fredericton on June 19, 1949. He was appointed Rector of the Parishes of Prince William and later Westfield,prior to moving to All Saints Church, St. Andrews in 1961, where he served until his retirement in 1994. One of his greatest honours, as a Welchman, was conducting the morning service for Their Royal Highnesses - The Prince and Princess of Wales on their visit to St. Andrews in 1983. During his years of ministry, John served as Rural Dean of the Deaneries of Lancaster and St. Andrews in the Dioces of Fredericton. He was made Canon of Christ Church Cathedral in 1971, and Archdeacon of St. Andrews in 1974. He was a member of the General Synod of teh Anglican Church of Canada and served on their pension board. Provincially, he was on several committees of the Provincial Synod. John also found time to serve society and his communities through several organizations. He was a Kiwanian for 25 years and Senior Chaplain, eatsern Command for over 29 years. He retired with rank of Major and until 1989 was a Chaplain in the Supplementary Reserve. He was a member of the School Board, taught music, and was very active in, and past president of Passamaquoddy Branch #8 of the Royal Canadian Legion. In 1989 he received the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest award given by the Royal Canadian Legion. Further service included serving on the board as member and chairman of the Passamaquoddy Lodge (Nursing Home) Foundation, and as a member of the Pastoral Care Committee for the Charlotte County Hospital and Saint John regional Hospital. John was a member, and later chairman, of the Health Services Advisory Council for the Province of NB from 1971 - 1987. This council was instrumental in the creation of the Provincial Extra- Mural Program, which ironically, John depended greatly upon during the last years of his life. he was also involved with The Red Cross Scoiety and the Arthritis Society for many years. Lastly John will be remembered for his interest and contribution in the political life of the province and country, serving as President for the Constituency of Charlotte for the Progressive Conservative Party, Provincial Secretary of the Conservative Party of New Brunswick for 20 years, and as a member of the executive for the federal riding of Carleton Charlote for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. In 1992, John received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of significant contribution to his compatriots, community and to Canada, Conferred by the Governor General. Resting at All Saints Anglican Church, 75 King Street, St. Andrews, NB from where the service will be held on Monday, October 1st, 2007 at 2:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. A private family interment will take place in St. John the Baptist Chapel of Ease Cemetery, Chamcook, NB, at a later date. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at the church on Sunday from 2 … 4 and 7 … 9 pm. In lieu of flowers donations to the Passamaquoddy Lodge or to the John and Alice Jones Trust Fund of All Saints Anglican Church, or to the NB Extra - Mural Program would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB (506 … 466 … 3110). Online condolences may be placed at www.humphreysfh.com