 Fr.
John Samuel Jones, OP
"Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time, for his soul pleased
God; therefore He hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities."
In the sudden and unlooked-for death of Reverend Father Jones, which
occurred on September 30th, after but several weeks' illness, his many friends have
received a serious shock. Apparently in good health, and vigorously engaged in active duty
when he was stricken, Father Jones had given but little indication of the fatal disease
that ended so promising a career. Verily, he stepped aside from the crowd in
instant response to the heavenly summons.
From the moment that it was announced that he was the victim of
cerebro-spinal meningitis, slight hope was entertained of his recovery, and, in spite of
careful nursing, skillful medical attendance and careful watchfulness on the part of the
members of his community, Father Jones steadily wasted away. He leaves a host of
sorrowing friends.
Father Jones was born in Aurora, Nevada, March 17, 1865. He
lost both parents when quite young and, shortly after their death, with a surviving
sister, came to California with distant relatives. In his boyhood he early displayed
an insatiable thirst for knowledge and availed himself of means to acquire it at its best.
When a mere boy he manifested aspirations for the religious life and,
when scarcely fifteen, selected the Dominican Order, entering upon his novitiate at the
Dominican monastery, Benicia, California. The persistent industry that dominated the
entire course of his theological studies foreshadowed the energetic zeal that
characterized all his later undertakings.
After his ordination Father Jones was entrusted with successive
offices of responsibility in his community in the discharge of which he displayed an
extraordinary business ability and an alertness in grasping important, practical details
that was surprising in one so young in experience.
Father Jones is favorably known throughout the length and breadth of
California, and beyond its limits; but he especially endeared himself to those who were so
fortunate as to come under his immediate direction. His priestly ministrations in Vallejo
and San Francisco were notable in fruitful results. In any work that was assigned to
him he labored indefatigably, and cheerfully, achieving much by his steadfast optimism.
He was singularly free from illusion. Whether in spiritual or
in temporal concerns he sought to meet the needs of the present moment, and to the extreme
felicity of his promptitude of action may be attributed the effectiveness and remarkable
scope of his work. To the children he patiently and perseveringly devoted himself.
He would have them realize in themselves the loftiest ideals socially, religiously, and
aesthetically considered.
To educational communities in general he was fond of awarding a just
meed of praise for the evident care and solid instruction that they bestowed on the young.
He based his hope of future Catholicity on the religious teaching and training of
the child -- a teaching and training that comprehended the requirements of body, mind, and
soul -- that bespoke a cheerful, happy, intelligent service in the high and holy calling
of a Christian. He constantly rnaintained that nothing short of Catholic education
of the child could effect desirable results; hence his untiring interest in school work
and his personal direction of classes when time permitted. Latin was a favorite
study with Father Jones, and the creditable progress of large classes which he conducted
in the different schools to which he was attached attests his patient efforts.
Music, vocal and instrumental, seemed to express the peculiarly
harmonious qualities of his temperament. He was the embodiment of laughter, cheer
and sunshine; song, sacred in its character of spirit greeting and unshed tears seemed to
suit his nature best. And so, he led the children's voices in happy, joyous strains
the echo of whose cadence will resound forevermore!
The organization of a junior choir from among the children of S.
Dominic's Sunday School, that under his direction developed remarkable singing voices, is
a pleasing feature of Father Jones' success in local work. It will be tenderly
remembered in connection with his name as an instance of his zeal in encouraging the
children to devote some of their time and talent to the most acceptable praise of God in
prayerful hymns. Nor did he confine them to sacred music; operatic selections that
came within the range of their powers, were carefully selected and patiently imparted to
them, with a success that delighted all who have heard them.
It would be vain to attempt to indicate even in a slight way, the
spiritual good that has accrued to others through the priestly influence of Father Jones.
Soundly grounded in his faith, emphatic in expression of religious and personal
convictions, gentle in commiseration of human shortcomings, he seemed the impersonation of
a hearty cheeriness and spiritual buoyancy that invigorated all who met him. There
was nothing sombre in his nature; he loved God and hoped great things of his fellow-men.
He preached the mercy of God and gloried in the repentance of the sinner, ever carefully
distinguishing between the errors of the thoughtless and malice of the hypocritical.
Zealous for the observance of God's law he would bring all to a knowledge of the
consolation that springs from a cheerful and reasonable service.
Uniquely grand is the figure of this unselfish Dominican as we
contemplate him in his priestly character; his loyalty where he professed friendship; his
strong personal influence for good; his unswerving fidelity to duty. Noble, indeed, is the
lesson of his pure life; his kindly sympathy, his submissive humility, his patient
charity, his unshaken confidence in God's unlimited mercy. He was happy in his life
work, happy with youth and innocence. Thus will he live in our memories. Golden
glory, celestial brightness and sweet hosannas greet his work well done; for,
Not
in garments black as night
Death at evensong has come;
But adorned in raiment white
She has fondly led him home!
Death is not a jailer
dire
Binding man with cruel chains;
But an angel fair whose lyre
Lulls to silence all his pains!
Death
is not a bitter blast
Nipping rose-buds ere they bloom;
But a burst of sunshine cast
Over life's encircling gloom.
Death is not an iron gate
Leading to the dungeon's night;
But a portal where await
Angels robed in ruddy light.
--1905, Dominicana V.6, pg. 323-325
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