John Jones
Born 1938 · Age 87
United Methodist pastor and church leader who served congregations in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and beyond for over 60 years; educator; earned advanced theological degrees and led large congregations and building projects.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Mt. Olivet, Ohio
John Allen Jones was born in Mt. Olivet, OH, the fifth child of Henry Williamson and Olive D. Sullivan Jones.
Appointed Sunday School Superintendent
At age 16 John was invited to serve as Sunday School Superintendent at Mount Olivet Methodist Church.
Worked at Green Cottage Restaurant (high school job)
While in high school he worked at the Green Cottage Restaurant (part-time employment during his teen years).
Graduated Barnesville High School (Salutatorian)
Graduated Barnesville High School in 1957 as salutatorian of his class.
Awarded full scholarship to Union College (KY)
Received a full scholarship to Union College (Kentucky) and enrolled following high school graduation.
Student pastor / Faber Methodist Church (church honored)
Served as student pastor (including appointment at Faber Methodist Church); the congregation was named 'Church of the Year' by the Kentucky Conference for 1960–1961 while he served as student pastor.
Co-authored / doctoral thesis topic recorded
His doctoral thesis was titled 'Itinerant System of the United Methodist Church' (exact doctoral year not specified in source).
Named 'Mr. Union College'
While at Union College he was chosen as 'Mr. Union College' in 1961; participated in Student Senate and was active in Methodist campus organizations.
Pursued postgraduate work at Boston University School of Theology
Completed postgraduate work at Boston University School of Theology and served as personal assistant to Dr. Howard Thurman, Dean of Marsh Chapel (Boston College).
Began formal ministry at Center Methodist Church (Ohio)
Started his ordained/ministry career serving at Center Methodist Church in Ohio.
Service in Paris/Tennessee District (Kirksey, KY)
Served in the Paris Tennessee District, with appointment at Kirksey, Kentucky (transition after Center Methodist role).
Supported Memphis police leadership during MLK assassination investigation (period)
While serving at St. Steven’s United Methodist Church in East Memphis, he was asked to interact with the Chief Detective assigned to the Dr. Martin Luther King assassination case to provide support during the national crisis (year estimated to reflect period after the assassination).
Earned Doctor of Theology (Vanderbilt University) — estimated
Received a Doctor of Theology degree from Vanderbilt University; doctoral thesis titled 'Itinerant System of the United Methodist Church.' (year not specified in source; estimated)
Served at Bemis United Methodist Church (Jackson, TN) — period
Held pastoral appointment at Bemis United Methodist Church in Jackson, TN; notable congregant Carl Lee Perkins was a member during Jones's time there.
Appointed pastor of Longstreet United Methodist Church (start, estimated)
Began a long pastorate at Longstreet United Methodist Church (founded by Judge Longstreet); during his tenure the congregation grew substantially and the Jones Family Life Center was built. (start year estimated; tenure lasted 20 years)
Longstreet UMC membership milestone
While Jones served at Longstreet UMC the congregation grew to over 1,400 members (milestone during his 20-year pastorate).
Presided at Carl Lee Perkins' funeral
As presiding clergy, Jones delivered the message and benediction and led the congregation in the closing song at country singer Carl Perkins' funeral at Lambuth University; the service drew major entertainers and national attention.
Began service at Clopton United Methodist Church (Tipton County, TN) — estimated start
In his most recent appointment, Jones served at Clopton UMC for eight years; while there the congregation doubled in membership and built and paid for a new fellowship hall. (start year estimated based on 8-year tenure and later 2017 emeritus recognition).
Completed major local ministry achievements
By this time he had led congregational growth, built fellowship facilities (e.g., Jones Family Life Center, new fellowship hall at Clopton UMC) and mentored many into ministry.
Awarded title of Pastor Emeritus
Recognized with the title Pastor Emeritus in 2017 for over 60 years of continual pastoral service.
Funeral arrangements (private services)
Funeral services were announced as private; family requested memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Survived by immediate family
At the time of obituary publication, he was survived by daughter Diana (James) Eller, three grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren; preceded in death by his wife Nadine Jones and son Gregory Mark Jones.
Obituary published (Legacy/WMC)
An obituary for Dr. John A. Jones was originally published by WMC in Legacy on August 7, 2025.
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