Obituary
Sadly, I share with you that my father Jimmy Jones passed away peacefully on September 3rd at Toronto General Hospital, after a continuous and debilitating decline in health. He was 96. Predeceased by his father Gordon Jones, mother Katie Jones (nee Reeves), former wife June Edwards (nee Orrock), common-law wife Maxine Wilson, sisters Marie, Lorraine, brother Barry, and his sons Rodney, Michael, and Jamie Jones. He is survived by his daughters Cindy Jones, Kristine Wilson and son Lindsey Jones, grandson Bryan Jones, granddaughters Allegra Jones, Charlotte Wilson, and great grandsons Allister and Owen Jones, and many nieces and nephews.
Jimmy has been a life long Islander since the age of three, when his parents moved their young family from Parkdale over to Hanlan’s Point.
Jimmy held island history like no other. He was sought out countless times for in situ interviews because he could see and describe the island as it was when he was a young boy, as if every house and building were all still standing right there in front of him.
Jimmy was passionate about Toronto Island and passionate about keeping its history alive through storytelling. From stories of boyhood antics, war time life and devastating losses of community members in service, to witnessing the destruction of homes and buildings, and the building of the island airport, Jimmy told it all, to all who would lend an ear. Through vivid storytelling, he brought to life places we could see and eras we could feel, as if we had shared those lived experiences along side him.
Along with him, we have lost a great deal of history. We have truly come to the end of an era, and he will be deeply missed by our family, community and all those who love him and the Toronto Island history.
We are grateful for the genuine care he received from the staff at Hillcrest Reactivation Centre where he stayed from March until the end of August. We are also grateful to the ICU team at Toronto General Hospital for their diligence and care. Special thank you to all the PSW’s and Nurses who provided homecare support and companionship as Jimmy’s needs increased over the past 6 or 7 years, allowing him to stay in his home for as long as possible.
A private burial was held on September 14, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held October 3rd at the Ward’s Island Association Pavilion from 2:00 - 5:00pm. Please bring potluck finger food if possible. There will be a cash bar.
Visitation
Service
Burial
Prospect Cemetery
