Big John Jones 36 [Archive] - Royal Welch Forum

rikoshea

08-05-2007, 20:23

it is with great sadness that I have to report the sad loss of Drummer Big John Jones 36 from Wrexham who passed away this morning. my condolences go out to Rose and the rest of his close Family.

I have no other details at present, and will update you when i receive them.

Rest in Peace 36

ap1

08-05-2007, 20:36

That is a massive shock Rik, and very sad news. Many of Johns buddies from his army days are active members of the forum.

I met him and his wife a few months ago in Wrexham, he was in good spirits.
His son "Scud 19" is in the 1st Bn, a great character just like his dad.

One of the good guys, very very sad.

Al

Bob Bacon

08-05-2007, 20:48

MIKE31

08-05-2007, 21:26

Really, really sorry to read such sad news about such a vibrant character, who had a tremendous sense of humour. What a terrible loss.

John was an engaging and witty man, as well as a warm and genuine human being. He was the consumate professional, always eager to help. He will be sorely missed.

Many of our members knew John very well and respected this noble man. We send our condolences and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones at this terrible time.

36 was one of my best buddies in the RWF. We went through training together in the depot, this is a shock. I have over the years often thought of him with fondness and wondered what he was up to. God bless him and my condolences go to his family. Is anyone in a position to give details of the funeral?

keithwill38

08-05-2007, 21:55

so very sorry to hear about John passing on,a great mate from the time he joined us in the drums plt in Honiton until he left in lemgo, he will be sadly missed,my thoughts go to Rose and family

Smokeyjoe

09-05-2007, 00:39

Sorry to hear the sad news, I got to know John in Lemgo and it was a pleasure to know him, certainly a character not to be forgotten.
My thoughts go to his family at this very sad time for them.
Joe.

BennytheBall

09-05-2007, 07:09

Rik
What a shock to us all big John was a Royal Welchman through and through and he will be sadly missed by all, my sympathy goes out to all his family.
BennytheBall 1

evans70

09-05-2007, 08:08

Big John has been working here in Brecon clearing The old Cwm Gwdu range , he was always in good spirit, he will be sadly missed Ray Jasper also sends his sad wishes.

Paul Hinge

09-05-2007, 14:13

What a shock 36 was a larger than life character that will be sadly missed by one and all. When joining the Band in 71 he was one of the first from the Corps of Drums to introduce himeslf. A true Royal Welchman!
Sleep peacefully mate in the knowledge you have a lot of friends from the RWF and I'm sure from far and wide who were privilaged to have known you.

Hingey

ap1

09-05-2007, 16:34

I've spoken to Major Bob Lake this afternoon. The only thing to add really at this stage is that it appears that John suffered a massive heart attack. I believe Arthur Ellingham has sent out some details today, if any Branch Secs have further details, please post.

bill1052

09-05-2007, 17:23

sad to here about 36 he will be sadly missed by all drummers passed and present and missed by 1 RWF our thoughts go out to all his family at this very sad time

benney

09-05-2007, 17:27

Big Jhon Miss You Mate, My Sympathy Goes To Rose And The Family

Gwyn Nicholas

09-05-2007, 19:30

A Big man with a Big Heart. I never met a man prouder to be A Royal Welch Fusilier than John. Godbless you mate.

daibeer

09-05-2007, 19:51

Proud to have served with John and call him a mate. My heartfelt condolences go to Rose and family.
Dai

taffylooneytoon

09-05-2007, 20:38

John will be sadly missed , i am proud to have served with him in 3rd Bn RWF and to be his friend not seen him or his family for a long time.
He was a true Royal Welchman and i am very proud to have know him.
Wrexham Branch RWFCA send our condolences to all his family and friends.
Val.

anitacorbett

09-05-2007, 22:13

I too remember John, Rose and their family with fond memories. What a shock.
God bless him and may Rose and their family have great strength to get through this tough time.
Our thoughts are with them all.
Anita & Clive

John Turner

09-05-2007, 22:27

Anyone that served with Big John 36 won't forget that time in their life.

ap1

09-05-2007, 22:50

In 1979, John was my instructor on the APC Drivers Cse, along with Will38 and Bronco. On our first day out on the roads, with me foolishly in the commanders hatch, John drove us to Biesterberg training area(lots of vertical slopes and other nasty things).

On arrival at Biesterberg John then shouted to me and the 4 others in the back " Right Im now going to show you How Not to drive X Crountry!!!!!!!". What followed was the most terrifying 15 mins of my life, as he threw the 432 up and down impossible gradiants and tracks with me still stuck in the comds hatch. Frightened? I wanted my mum...and I wanted her NOW. Its was an absolutely brilliant course, and a great introduction to the real world of Battalion life.

An outstanding man, who really did look after his young fusiliers, and they worshipped him.

Barry69

10-05-2007, 07:36

My Memories of Big John was a larger than life character C Company MT SGT in Lemgo, No one would dare to take a bulb from a C Coy Vehicle or Big John would eat you, well as a young fusilier you’d believe it too.

A Real Nice Guy

I have a photo somewhere of his vehicles all line up for inspection impressive.

keith may

10-05-2007, 11:14

It Was A Very Big Shock To Hear Of Big John36 Passing Away My Thoughts Go Out To Rose And Family John Was A True Royal Welch Man Greatly Missed

laurajones349

10-05-2007, 11:53

Hi, I'm Laura, 36's daughter. I would just like to say thank you for your kind words.

The funeral is Thursday, 17th at 13:30 at the Parish Church of St Giles, Wrexham. [Map (http://streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=333250&y=350250&z=1&sv=333250,350250&st=4&ar=N&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&ax=333518&ay=350193)]

I'm sure you could pass this message on to all the boys thanks again

benney

10-05-2007, 17:39

Many Thanks Laura Am Thinking Of You All Give My Love To The Family

Fortyfive

11-05-2007, 11:39

I am sorry to hear about Johns death. I use to babysit for Rose & John in depot Crickhowell when I was in juniors. Sel

Beano Hind

11-05-2007, 18:12

It was with great sadness last night that I heard the sad news of John. Having read all the messages on the Forum it reminded me of just how well liked Big John really was by all those who served with him. An outstanding MT rep and 432 driver although known in Lemgo to sell iffy cars? I know I bought one ask Barry Hughes when he hit the cookhouse wall in it in Lemgo paint tins fell out of the sills? Happy days and no regrets. Another fond memory was when on a active edge call out he sat on the rear of the OC's 432 in his NBC suit unkown to John the area he was sitting on included the exhaust. By the time he realised his mistake he had lept at least 4ft into the air and on his return to earth launched me from the 432 for laughing. A fantastic charicter. My deapest Condolences to Rose and family in this time of great loss. He was one of the very best and will be missed by all who knew him

Big Beano

dave19

12-05-2007, 00:28

thanks to all that have replied to my dad BIG JOHN 36 death. Appreceiate them all my royal welsh men HIS SON DAVE 19

dave19

12-05-2007, 18:25

thanks for what you have put he would have loved to seen this site right now from all is friends from past and present his son david

Dai72

12-05-2007, 20:08

The thing is what do u say about john what a character, life for the RWF will not be the same without him. GOD bless his soul. Can't make his final resting place, but thoughts go with all his family for a great mate and friend.

peterlansley

12-05-2007, 20:55

which is the location of st.giles wrexham a few of the aber lads would like to pay our last repects to a wonderful person our condolences go to his family carl ta sam rwfca

daibeer

12-05-2007, 21:03

Its the Parish Church right in the middle of Wrexham, on High Street.
regards

tom33

13-05-2007, 07:50

john will be sadley missed by us all.i first met john in ireland in 1972.i was attached to the drums for six months.they were like a very close family, i was with john when he was shot in the leg in strabane,,in those early days the hump was only a section based in a pig.one of the side ports was slightly open & a round came in bounced around the inside & got john in the leg.some of my oldest & dearest friends are drummers.going back to 1968.with my boys godfather mal ball who has always been there if i needed him.

SNash

13-05-2007, 12:29

My sincere condolences to Rose & her family at this sad time. Was a privilage to have known John. He will be sadly missed by all.

Sonya Nash

Ken Barrow

15-05-2007, 06:47

So very sorry to hear about John it was a privilage to have served with him when he was in the Drums i have lots of fond memorys of Hong Kong & Ireland lots of funny moments. My condolences to Rose & Family from the Barrow family in Canada.

Ken Barrow.

ritchie39

17-05-2007, 21:23

I served with big John 36 for many years he was one great man its with great sadness to hear of his passing our condolences go out to Rose and the familly.
rest in peace John.

Ritchie39

ap1

20-05-2007, 18:35

Sorry for the delay in posting, I've been away.

I was privileged to attend Johns funeral at Wrexham on Thursday. The huge turnout was testimony to the respect and esteem that John and Rose are held. There was a broad range of members from the regiment present, and the Wrexham Branch Standard was also in attendence.

During the day many stories were swapped about John. Although a painfully sad day, there was a lot of laughter as people remembered tales from days gone by of a larger than life character.

I had a chance to talk with Johns children, Mary, Laura and David. For those of you who remember the family. Mary is married to an RAF servicemen, Laura is serving in the Royal Artillery and of course David is serving with our own 1st Bn. All 3 of them emphasised to me, how much members messages of support, via the forum had meant to Rose and the family. If i'm honest, I hadn't really understood the impact the messages have, now I do. Mary told me that they had all been printed off, and will be kept as a reminder within the family.

Thanks

Bob Lloyd

21-05-2007, 16:02

I too have been away and only just read that 36 has passed away. How sad. He was a great character who epitomised much of what was wonderful about the RWF. A very talented drum and 432 instructor, always with a glint in his eye and a smile on his face, terrific for morale. 'Mild and bitter' springs to mind, and in Lemgo he was a mean fly fisher.albeit using a thunderflash as a fly! He will be sadly missed and my heartfelt condolences go to his family.

'There are many kind of sorrows,
In this world of love and hate.
But there is no sterner sorrow,
Than a soldier's for his mate'.

anitacorbett

22-05-2007, 19:07

What a lovely quote. Whats it from?
Anita x

Bob Lloyd

23-05-2007, 09:33

The Rev Geoffrey Kennedy MC, an Army Padre serving in WW1. Known as 'Woodbine Willy' because of the fags (Woodbines - but I'm sure you are too young to remember them Anita!) he handed out to the Tommies in the trenches.

laurajones349

25-05-2007, 17:48

myself and my mother rose would like to thank everyone who turned up to pay there last respects to my dad. it was a sad but an amazing day i could not have wished for a better send off for an amazing man, it was also an enjoyment to meet so many of his mates and i heard some good stories too. so many of you came from all over the uk now thats what i call true friendship he would have been proud of you all, thanks once again laura