Msgr. James Robinson, Cardinal Edmund Szoka and Bishop John Quinn lead concelebrants at Deacon Jones's funeral liturgy.

LOYOLA, AND THE CHURCH OF DETROIT, LOSE A GREAT SPIRITUAL LEADER

Early in the morning of June 19, Wyatt Lafayette Jones, Jr., peacefully lost his battle with brain cancer, which had been diagnosed 14 months earlier. His wife, Deborah, lost her husband of 29 years. His four children—Wyatt III, Thomas, James, and Marion—lost their father. Lucy Mae, Patricia, Clarence, and Rodney lost their brother. And the local Catholic community was suddenly without one of its most dedicated, passionate and faithful servants.

As many readers know, Mr. Jones, along with Fr. Malcolm Carron, S.J., and Fr. Ken Styles, S.J., was instrumental in the foundation of Loyola Academy in 1993. He was gently coaxed into a key role in the new school after completing a difficult and painful assignment with the Archdiocese of Detroit during the time of widespread parish closings in the early 1990s. Often, people blamed him, the messenger, for delivering an unpopular message. But Mr. Jones quickly immersed himself in the planning of this unique, joint venture between the Archdiocese and the Detroit Province Jesuits.

Mr. Jones served as the school’s first Dean of Students, a position he held until January 1998. But this one title hardly captures the role he played in this new endeavor. He taught theology, counseled students and parents, supported teachers, and led the school community in its daily morning prayer. His presence brought order even in the midst of potential chaos. The respect he elicited from students was matched only by the respect he afforded them first.

During his time as Dean he completed his preparation for ordination to the Diaconate, thus broadening the service he would provide to the local Catholic community and beyond. In January, 1998, confident that the school was on firm ground, he turned over the Dean’s position to Mr. William Vaughan in order to respond to a need for a pastoral administrator at Annunciation Church on Detroit’s east side.

Throughout his years in parish work, Deacon Jones maintained close contact with Loyola, primarily as the father of his 3 sons who attended the school, and he was always ready and willing to help out whenever asked. After several years "away" from the school, he hinted that he might like to come back to Loyola, and the timing was perfect as the Dean’s position was about to open up again. He returned as Dean in the fall of 2004. As if this position weren’t enough, he also was serving as administrator of Precious Blood Parish. The growing needs of the parish led him away from Loyola 2 years later.

Deacon Jones and his friend and colleague Fr. Jim O’Reilly, S.J., a student counselor at Loyola and pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, skillfully led their respective communities to merge, out of which developed an even stronger, more vibrant entity, the St. Peter Claver Catholic Community.

News of his diagnosis was a blow to the parish and the school communities, and indeed to all who knew him personally and the many others who knew of him. True to form, he continued to serve the needs of the parish as well as those of Loyola, where he worked part-time as a chaplain.

Always an exceptionally powerful preacher who moved people not only by word but also by song, his presence, message, and faithful service became even more poignant and meaningful as he became more limited in what he could do. "Deacon," as he was known, continued to minister, even when he was no longer able to take an active role in the liturgy and in the ordinary affairs of the parish.

Two services were held to commemorate Deacon Jones’s life and legacy. Visitation was held at St. Peter Claver Church (formerly Precious Blood) on June 25. Throughout the day, hundreds of people came to offer words of consolation to his family and to offer prayers of thanksgiving for his life. The church filled up in the evening for a 2-hour vigil service. A number of family members and friends offered personal reflections about Deacon Jones. Through the many tears shed and the many laughs shared came a strong sense of gratitude and hope. Several choirs and musicians from around the area roused the congregation with spirited renditions of some of Deacon Jones’s favorite pieces of music. Indeed, one could easily hear his voice rising above the others.

The next morning, more visitors paid their respects to Deacon Jones and his family at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Cardinal Adam Maida, who worked with Deacon Jones for many years, paid a special visit to the family. By the time the liturgy began, the cathedral was full, and choir members began to lead the congregation in song. Bishop John Quinn gave a stirring homily in which he drew on the common experience people have when they go to the place they call home—that special refuge of peace and comfort. Bishop Quinn noted the deep faith that always marked Deacon Jones, even throughout his illness, and he expressed this same faith that Deacon Jones had indeed gone Home and was with the Lord whom he served so faithfully. Before the conclusion of the service, Cardinal Edmond Szoka, retired Archbishop of Detroit who worked closely with Deacon Jones during especially challenging times for the Archdiocese, thanked Deacon Wyatt’s family and gave a heartfelt, personal tribute to him for his unfailing personal support, loyalty, and friendship.

As is the case with any great man or woman, especially those who do not seek after their own glory, Deacon Jones will be sorely missed, yet he will continue to have a profound impact on so many people who were blessed to have him in their lives. His was, indeed, a life blessed and well-lived.

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