Olin Latimer Jones

On Sunday, January 6, 2019, Olin Latimer Jones closed his eyes and entered into eternal life, with his loving wife and daughter by his side, at home in Saint Johns, FL.

“OJ” as he was known to his friends, “fought the hard fight, finished the race and kept the faith.” OJ was born on September 19, 1949, in Orlando, FL and graduated from Boone High School. He attended Manatee Junior College and then enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. OJ was a Staff Sergeant and played French horn in the Air Force Band at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. After spending four years in the Air Force, OJ earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Music with a principal in organ from Stetson University, DeLand, FL. Later, he received a Master’s Degree in Music with an emphasis in composition at Concordia University, River Forest, IL.

OJ, known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, was an accomplished and gifted musician. He played French horn in the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony (now the Florida Orchestra) in Tampa. He then worked as the parish musician at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, FL. and passionately served there for 33 years. His duties included being the youth choir and adult choir director; he led and sang in an a cappella group, “Coro Favorito;” he used the Royal School of Church Music training program with the children of the youth choir. While in Leesburg, OJ taught and conducted the Lake Sumter Community College Choir and volunteered with multiple choir directors and school music teachers to inspire an interest in music among children and young adults. He was a talented composer and has published multiple compositions and recordings. In 2010 he retired to be near his family in Saint Johns, FL. His love of church music brought him to play the organ at Penney Farms Memorial Church, including Sunday services and recitals.

OJ was a member of The American Guild of Organists, American Choral Directors Association, and The Royal School of Church Music, England. He also, served on the music and ministry committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.

OJ has said, “It has always been a spiritual calling, and I cannot imagine doing anything, but working for the church.” And he did. He was a faithful servant of God.

Olin is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his daughter, Michele “Missy” Loudy; grandchildren, Anna and Noah Loudy; brothers, Walter Jones of Candler, FL and Charles (Judy) Jones of Albany, GA. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Susie and Walter Jones.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019 in Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ Episcopal Church, Mallory Music Fund, a scholarship for aspiring musicians.