Joseph Arthur “Art” JONES
J. Arthur ( Art ) JONES
Feb 4, 1928 – Apr 30, 2023
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, J. Arthur Jones, passed from this world just as he had lived his life – peacefully and with great dignity – with loving family at his side.
Art is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Jennie; his children Alan (Kathy) Jones, Brenda (Dennis) Hanson, Barb Courtney, Larry (Gwen) Jones and Shelley (Ray) Guidinger; his beloved grandchildren, Heather (Trevor), Lisa (Jon), Sarah (Kyle), Jeff (Teresa), Darren, Breanna, Robb, Taylor (Hanson), Kaitlin, Carla (Matt) and Brent (Kristy) and 12 great-grandchildren. Art also had the good fortune of extended family including 7 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Art was born in Lloydminster where his family had settled as Barr Colonists in 1903. He was part of a hard-working and fun-loving family. He excelled in school, but his education was interrupted at age 15 with the death of his father and Art left school to support his mother and younger brother.
Art married Jennie Johansen in 1951. After the birth of their five children, the family
transferred to Edmonton. In 1975, Art and Jennie purchased an acreage near Onoway and commuted to work in Edmonton – Art at the Edmonton Real Estate Board and Jennie at the Misericordia Hospital where she had returned to nursing. They lived on the acreage for 40 years, entertaining countless family and friends on so many occasions, with Art displaying his mastery of the barbecue. During their time on the acreage, true to their roots, they raised many and various animals and maintained an expansive garden. They also travelled in their RV
throughout the United States and Canada with close friends. They relocated to St. Albert in 2015.
Over the years, Art had been employed by the CPR and several oil/mining companies. His career of choice was in real estate, and he retired in 1993 as Executive Vice President of the Edmonton Real Estate Board. He subsequently managed their Charitable Foundation for five years on a part-time basis. Art is also remembered as an excellent and entertaining public speaker.
Service to others, especially the less fortunate, was a high priority, and Art was very involved in the community including service clubs, fraternal organizations, youth activities and social groups. Art was past National President and a Life Member of Kinsmen, a Canadian Centennial Medal recipient, past Grand Master of Masons Alberta, a member of Patricia Lodge #91 and the Al Shamal Shriners Club. He was also a Charter Member and on the Board of the Rio Terrace Moravian Church while in Edmonton.
As a father, Art passed on the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility – often underpinned by his trademark humour – and his children and extended family feel honoured and proud to have had such a leader in their lives. Apart from being the Jones patriarch, Art was a loyal friend to many – a good listener who took a genuine interest in people and was kind and welcoming to all.
Art did the daily crossword puzzle and read the Journal cover to cover until shortly before his passing. He kept updated on current events, politics and sports and enjoyed a good chat on any subject.
Life’s Work – Exceptionally Well Done!
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, June 15 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Albert Alliance Church, 200 Villenueve Road, St. Albert, AB.Â
Should friends so desire, a donation may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation or the University Hospital Foundation.
As a childhood friend of Shelley, I always addressed her dad as Mr. Jones and will always refer to him as such out of respect for such a wonderful man. He was a warm kind man with a great sense of humour. His light will continue to shine bright through his family. Heaven has gained an angel. My deepest condolences to my dear friend Shelley, her mom and all family members. RIP Mr Jones.
Louise Shaw-Chan
As a young Realtor I first met Art when he served as the Executive Vice President of the Edmonton Real Estate Board. Art led the organization with integrity, wisdom and a strong steady presence. His gentle, genuine manner drew people to him and served as an example as to what true compassionate leadership should look like.
Rest in peace Art.
Our heartfelt condolences to Jenne and Family at this difficult time. Art was a wonderful friend through real estate, May He Rest in Peace.
Farewell my Brother.
Both my wife Anastasia Boyd and I were in Real Estate in Edmonton and Art was a very gifted leader indeed. I also enjoyed his leadership in Freemasonry. A Wonderful man.
Farewell my Brother.
My wife, Anastasia Boyd, and myself were both Realtors and leave our deepest condolences to this great man. I am fortunate to have enjoyed his gentle leadership in both Real Estate and Freemasonry.
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
Many wonderful memories working together at the Edmonton Real Estate Board. Your wisdom and guidance was always appreciated. Rest In Peace
Condolences Jenne and family. It was a privilege to have known Art. A gentle man always willing to lend a hand and his share knowledge. May your memories be a comfort. Cliff and Teena Cottingham
I am so sorry to learn of Art’s passing. Art was always a stand-up friend, a great Kinsman and community volunteer. Sincerely, Gerry Yuen
Jennie and Family. We were saddened to hear about Art’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of all the times through Kinsmen. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Don & Sandy Sprague
Art was a friend and fellow Kinsmen, of mine for over 60 years. Pleasant, resourceful, a good friend, and overly considerate of others, their needs and the needs of the community. He gave easily and readily and the are literally hundreds who benefited from his contributions. …measuring a man by his action made Art a giant.He and Jenne were a remarkable couple and a joy to know. May he be well remembered. DON EASTCOTT
My sincerest condolences. I knew Art from the real estate business and my volunteering at the Board. I also took a broker’s course from him years ago. I remember him as always having a smile and a warm greeting. He was a real gentleman.
Jenney& Family: Our sincere condolences….. Most of us on our journey through life are impacted in different ways by the passing of a relative or friend. Because of our genuine friendship, Art’s passing has left us with warm memories to reflect upon and be thankful for someone so special…..RIP, Art
On behalf of the Bagshaw family I would like to send our deepest condolences to the Jones family. My father would dearly love to be at the funeral however he is in the hospital and unable to leave. He passes on his regrets.
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family A great man he will be missed
With Sympathy Grant Geldart
My dear Jenny and Family,
It is with deepest sympathy that extend my deepest condolences on Art’s passing. He was a strong mentor to me and a dear friend, one I will always treasure. God bless you all.
With fond memories of the early Kinsman years, I send condolences on behalf of the Gliener family. In fact, we were just looking at a picture that included Art & Jennie at a sophisticated looking cocktail party in Grace & Izzy’s home way back on 94th Avenue. Recognizing many years of service and fellowship. Our best wishes to Jennie.