John Spreull Jones

JONES, John Spreull, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Born January 23, 1918, to Nellie Dietrick Jones and Edward Lee Jones, John spent his childhood in Petersburg and in the Forest Hill area of Richmond, playing along the James River with his dog, Duke. In his youth, he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Richmond in 1940 and was a member of the University Crew Team. Following graduation from the University of Richmond, he attended New York University, obtaining his MBA degree. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in England as a payroll clerk. After returning from the war, he took classes at Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) and passed the bar to practice business law. After working for several Richmond companies as an accountant, he took a job at the State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance in the late 1950s as an actuary, until retirement as a senior actuary. John's favorite pastimes included reading, being at the beach, sailing, and enjoying outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, hunting, and gardening. John leaves behind his wife, Agnes Bruce Jones of Richmond; a son, Bruce Spreull Jones and his wife, Elizabeth Taliaferro-Jones; a granddaughter, Mary Adelle Chandler Jones, all of Charlottesville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings, Edward Lee Jones Jr., Arthur Leake Jones and Charlotte Jones Ward. The family wishes to thank all individuals who cared for John these last few years, including the caring and dedicated staff of Sunrise Assisted Living (Dogwood Unit) and the Hospice staff of Odyssey. Friends and family are invited to gather from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., with a service of remembrance beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions may be made to local chapter of The Boy Scouts of America, The S.P.C.A., Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of choice.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.