JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The congregation of All People International Church is mourning the passing of their beloved pastor, Bishop Arthur T. Jones Sr., who died unexpectedly on Thanksgiving morning. He was 76 years old.
The loss is deeply felt by both his family and the church community. Bishop Jones’ youngest son, Ardel Jones, now the senior pastor, shared his emotions about his father’s passing. “It is rough. It is hard. But even in this, I know my father raised us for this,” he said.
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Bishop Jones dedicated more than 50 years to leading All People International Church, which he founded in his parent’s garage before moving to its current Edgewood Avenue location in 1976. His leadership extended beyond Jacksonville, overseeing ministries in Jamaica, the West Indies, Brazil, Africa, and Haiti.
On Thanksgiving morning, Bishop Jones made his final church-wide phone call, offering a message of encouragement to the congregation.
Ardel recounted, “He began to minister. He began to tell the members that he prayed for us, and God told him that everything was going to be all right.” Less than an hour later, Jones peacefully passed away in his favorite chair at home.
In recent weeks, Bishop Jones had begun transitioning leadership to his son, Ardel, appointing him as senior pastor with plans to co-minister during his retirement.
Ardel reflected on this transition, cherishing moments of preaching alongside his father.
“One of my greatest joys was when I was preaching to turn around and see my dad... Every now and then, he would jump up. I knew that when he jumped up, that meant that I was preaching real good,” he said.
Despite the grief of losing his father, Ardel takes comfort in the overwhelming support and stories shared by the community. “How pastors called me and said, ‘Hey, you do not understand, when I wanted to give up everything, I came and talked to your father, and he gave me the strength to keep going,’” he shared.
Known as “a father to the city,” Bishop Jones was celebrated for his integrity and ability to inspire others. His sudden passing leaves a void, but his legacy of faith and leadership continues to resonate through the lives he touched.
Ardel expressed his feelings poignantly when asked what he would say to his father if given the chance. “I would tell him how honored I am to be his son... even today in my tears to stand behind his sacred desk and minister to his people,” he said.
The church community gathered for its first Sunday service since the bishop’s passing, finding solace in worship and one another’s support. As they move forward, they carry the lessons and love instilled by Bishop Arthur Jones, a man whose impact will not be forgotten.
According to Jones’ family, a viewing/visitation is tentatively planned for Friday night at the church, located at 1993 Edgewood Ave. The funeral will be held at the same location on Saturday at 11 a.m.
