John Anthony Jones

In Memoriam: John Anthony Jones (Johnny, John John, Driver, Dancer)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Anthony Jones, affectionately known as Johnny, at the age of 80. He departed peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Tamarac, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer. John was a beloved member of the Shady Grove District community in Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine, Jamaica, and the city of Tamarac, Florida, USA. His vibrant spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Early Life:

John was born on February 8, 1945, in St. Catherine, Jamaica, to Blanche and Thomas Jones. He was the seventh of eight children, with three brothers and four sisters, and is preceded in death by all of his siblings: Munchie, Emma, Enid, Clifford, and Glaston. Johnny was the last surviving sibling, a testament to the strength of his spirit.

Education:

John attended Shady Grove Primary School and Lluidas Vale All-Age School from 1952 to 1962. However, due to financial constraints, he left school early to support himself.

Career:

Between 1962 and 1965, John worked as a teenager at the Shady Grove Police Station (Lluidas Vale Police Station) as a handy man and the Worthy Park Sugar Cane estate in the garage, where he developed his passion for driving. In 1970, he left Lluidas Vale for Kingston as a young man, where he worked at several oil tank and cane truck companies driving trailers and trucks.

In 1986, at the age of 41, John migrated to the United States from Jamaica. He began working as a Dollar van public transport driver on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn from 1989 to 1999. Johnny then worked at the New York Waterway Company from 1999 to 2005, providing essential ferry services for commuters along the Hudson River, ensuring safe and timely transportation. Johnny then started working at United Bus Fleet company from 2005 to 2011, serving as a dedicated school bus driver, facilitating safe transportation to young students in the New York City area. The company eventually rebranded as Reliant Transportation, where he continued his role as a dedicated school bus driver until his retirement in December 2020 at the age of 75. This marked the conclusion of a distinguished 60-year legacy in driving, a journey that began with a dream in the garage of the Worthy Park Sugar Estate as a Teenager in Jamaica.

Family:

John is survived by his wife Carol Jones. Johnny and his wife, Carol, shared a loving marriage of 17 years. Johnny is also survived by his daughters, Faith Jones and Judeen Jones; stepchildren from his marriage to Carol: Dean, Steve, Kevin, and Jodi Ann; and eight grandchildren. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, and friends both in Jamaica, New York and Florida, whose lives he touched.

Visitation:

A visitation and viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the same day at the funeral home.

Funeral Services:

The funeral will take place at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Baird-Case Jordan Fannin Funeral Home & Cremation Service, located at 4343 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Bishop Fernando Alves of the Universal Church will officiate the service, followed by burial at Pompano Beach Cemetery at 2:00 PM, located at 400 S.E. 23rd Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Arrangements are entrusted to Baird-Case Jordan Fannin Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

The family of John Anthony Jones wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the West Broward Internal Medical and nursing staff, the doctors and nursing staff at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital, work colleagues at the Reliant Transportation bus company and the neighbors and friends in our community who offered their support during this challenging time.