Gregory Joseph Jones 1927 – 2006

It is with profound regret that we record the passing of Gregory Joseph Jones, father of Michael, and father – in – law of Kerry Jones,  Executive Director of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy  for so many  crucial years . The late Greg Jones was not only a warrior in the military service of his country, he was also a great warrior in the defence of our constitutional system, the role of the Crown in it, and of our Flag. He served, with great distinction, as Convener of the Gordon Branch of ACM; indeed, he played a significant role in maximizing the No vote in this part of Sydney’s North Shore.  

 A Requiem Mass for the repose of his eternal soul was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church, Pymble on Friday, 17 November, 2006. This included the RSL Service, with The Last Post sounded by Dominic Diaz-Jones , after which the cortege  proceeded to the Macquarie Park Cemetery, Delhi and Plassey Roads, Noth Ryde for the interment. May he rest in peace.

Greg Jones was born at Bondi 13th April, 1927. Urban myth has it that a huge storm raged during that day announcing his arrival. His father, Walter (Wal) Jones was a millinery manufacturer of Anglo-Welsh background. His mother Kathleen Colburn was a housewife of strong Irish Catholic stock. He was raised in the Sydney suburb of Concord until his teenage years when his parents purchased a home in

, Killara. Greg was educated at St. Patrick’s College, Strathfield and later at St. Ignatius College, Riverview where he was a boarding student in his last years of high school.

Shortly after his 18th  birthday, 30th April, 1945, he enlisted in the AIF and commenced basic training at Cowra in New South Wales. After a short stint at Liverpool as an army cook he was sent to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Overseas Forces (B.CO.F.). His unit was the engineering corp. known as "14th Works and Parks". He was posted to Hiro and Kaitaehi, which was part of the Hiroshima District of Japan, the sight where the atomic bomb was dropped. His main job he believed was to help rebuild Japan, and in particular to demonstrate to the Japanese people the values and way of life of our Australian democracy.

He has been awarded: The Australian War Medal 1939 – 45, The Australian Service Medal 1939 – 45, The Australian Service Medal 1939 – 45 clasp Japan, The Occupation of Japan Medal 1945 – 52. Greg proudly marched with his unit each ANZAC Day.

Upon his return to Australia, he invested his military pay in a business recently commenced by his father. "Morley, Jones Millinery", became his career and vocation for the next 20 years. He married Marie Therese Martyn a speech and drama teacher from Lane Cove at St. Michael’s Church, Lane Cove in 1954. A block of land was purchased at

Gordon where he built a small two bedroom brick home.

Children arrived in succession, Michael, Annmaree, Catherine, Christine, Phillip and Natalie. Seemingly, they were soon followed by loving in-laws and fourteen grandchildren. As the family grew the house grew and number

remained his home until his passing on Sunday.

The business was closed in 1970 and he was involved in Sales Management until he retired from this industry in 1992. Greg worked with his daughter Annmaree and son-in-law Patrick in assisting to establish their pest control business "Austrapest". He worked in various capacities, chiefly in the sales and promotion role. He was particularly involved in "shopping expos" until September 2006. In fact, he became qualified as a Pest Control technician in 1992.

Greg was an ardent supporter of the Australian Constitution and as such an active member of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy. He was appointed convener of the "No Republic" Gordon branch and organised and manned polling booths for the referendum of 1999. He was victorious.

The B.CO.F. Association was formed to promote the affairs of the Returned Servicemen who acted in the occupation forces in Japan. Greg was an active member of the B.CO.F. Association and served as President of the B.CO.F-RSL Sub-branch. He campaigned tirelessly for the occupation forces to be recognised with the awarded "The Australian Active Service medal". Today, this campaign continues. His active involvement and collaboration in this campaign will be sadly missed.

Greg was a devout Catholic. He has been an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish at Pymble for 65 years. He has been involved in the church choir, St. Vincent-De-Paul, and was a Church Warden and Reader.

Vale Greg Jones.