Christopher Jones


Christopher Arnold Jones, 55, of Arlington, passed away on June 25, 2014 after a long illness. Chris was born in Greencastle, IN, on November 29, 1958. He was the beloved son of Mary and Arnold Jones and brother to Matthew Jones. Loving husband of Alisa Conner and devoted father of Alana Conner, age 6. Chris grew up in Pauling and Stone Ridge, NY, and graduated from Rondout Valley Regional High School. He earned bachelor’s degrees in music and anthropology from SUNY Potsdam and came to Boston to study classical guitar. Unable to continue playing guitar due to his muscular dystrophy, Chris worked for many years in higher education and earned a Master’s in Arts Administration from Boston University’s Metropolitan College in 2005. Music continued to be an enduring passion, and he was a dedicated member of the choir at First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Arlington, in which he was very active. He spent time as a volunteer at various early music organizations and at English-At-Large. Chris loved model trains, travel, studying German, and spending time with his family. Chris taught his friends and family that it is possible to live life fully and deeply, even with a disability; indeed, we learn from Chris that all of us experience different limitations and have different gifts to offer. He lived his life with a fierce integrity, an enormous love, and a ceaseless striving to learn and grow as a husband, father, and human being. A memorial service will be held on July 12 at 2:00pm at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 630 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 02476. Childcare will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ memory may be made to the “Alana Conner Educational Enrichment Fund,” 7 Bowdoin St., Arlington, MA 02474.

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2 Condolences

  1. Laurie Szablewski on July 28, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    Hello Alisa,
    I just heard about Chris’ passing and I’m truly devastated. I never thought that his illness would ever catch up to his fighting spirit. Please know that he, you and Alana are in my thoughts and prayers.
    All best,
    Laurie Szablewski (colleague at Boston Baroque)



  2. Carole Friedman on July 28, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Dear Alisa,

    I am so sorry to learn that Chris has died. I feel privileged to have known him, and to have been both his mentor and his student. His commitment to living a full life, his love for you and the joy he took in Alana were all palpable and deeply moving. He was, in the words of the prophet, a total mensch.

    I wish you and Alana lives of continuing richness, depth, remembrance and — when it’s possible — delight.

    With fondness and appreciation,
    Carole



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