Francis Jones 1941-1942

FRANCIS LEIGHTON JONES: Son of John Henry and Sarah Jones, nee McCormick, born on 2nd July 1907. Educated SFX & Osterley.  Joined the Jesuits but left in 1934 when he went to Oscott.  Ordained at Oscott on 29th June 1937.

Curate: English Martyrs, Wallasey 1937-40; Chaplain to the Forces: 1940-41; contracted Malaria.  Curate: St Alban's, Liscard 1941-42; curate St Peter's, Stalybridge 1942-46; curate St Joseph's, Seacombe 1946-54 (latter part administrator).  Parish Priest: St Winefride's, Neston 1954-66.

He died on 1st August 1966 and is buried in Neston.  He was extraordinarily generous to children and to those in need.  He loved to call Canon Kirby 'Kerbs' and looked after him with loving care.  When he was in hospital once he entranced the nurses by backing horses and putting out his cigarette if he was told the bishop was coming to see him.  Had a great sense of humour and wrote a little book in which local clergy featured with strange names.

Information supplied by his family and Canon E.M. Abbott; Bapt. Cert. (St Anne's, Rock Ferry); SYB 1967 p82; Oscott College 1838-1988 ed by J. Champ.