Loved ones pay last respects to ‘devoted community servant’ Hugh Jones Jr.

Hugh Jones Jr. died on June 27. (Courtesy of family)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family, friends, and other members of the community gathered Saturday at the St. Johns Presbyterian Church to celebrate the life and legacy of Hugh Jones Jr., a prominent figure in the Jacksonville community.

Jones died on June 27 at the age of 94, according to his obituary. He was born in Pittsburgh but lived in Jacksonville for more than five decades.

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Jones served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He later joined the Chemical Bank of New York in Manhattan and then moved to Jacksonville to join the Barnett Bank.

Hugh Jones and his cousin Robin when he was serving in the Army. (Courtesy of family)

After serving in several roles, Jones was named chairman and chief executive officer of the Barnett Bank of Jacksonville in 1982. He retired in 1993 and joined the Baptist Health Foundation as its president until 1998.

But Jones’ legacy went beyond formal titles.

Jones’ obituary described him as a “devoted community servant” in Jacksonville due to his philanthropic and volunteer work -- especially known for his efforts to help people without homes and sick children.

Hugh and his daughter Merri. (Courtesy of family)

Jones is survived by his wife and his five daughters. He had 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.


About the Author

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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