Brother Christian Jones, FSC 1925-2010

Eulogy given by Br. Joseph Miggins, FSC

There is a background to the death of every Christian, recalling the triumphant music of Handel’s Messiah wherein the refrains of victory pulsate throughout the opus. Quite reflective of the themes of victory in the scriptures and prayers of the church. For instance, St. Paul: Thanks be to God who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Peter: Death is swallowed up in victory. The antiphons likewise reflect the spirit of victory. For example:
a) God has crowned his Christ with victory, and
b) I am sure the Lord will give victory to His anointed.

All our temporal successes, our earthly victories, our secular triumphs, are but miniature grains of sand compared to the triumphant victory of Jesus which we have inherited, which Brother Christian Jones has inherited. For it is he who is our success story today.

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND

Such was Brother Christian described by his students last year. And they were on the mark.

Born on April 28, 1925, in Brooklyn as the only child of Earl Raymond Jones and Anne Kimball Jones, he began school at Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1931. The following year he enrolled in SS. Joachim and Ann School in Queens Village. Eventually he attended Bishop Loughlin High School where he was inspired to become a Christian Brother.

After his boot training, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Elementary School and continued his work in the elementary schools for ten years. In 1957 he began his significant tenure at Bishop Loughlin High School until being transferred to Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft where he exercised leadership as a math teacher and organizer of the school schedule.

How accurate were his students who referenced him as The Man, the Myth, the Legend. A few citations from his students who composed his last class: “We love you, Brother!” “We would like to thank you for your many years of service and commitment.” “Thanks for a great year!” “I had a lot of fun, Brother.” “Brother, when I was in school, it was memorable.” Chalk and erasers, classes and math teams, competitions and seminars: the holistic world of the school; of such has been the habitat of Brother Christian Jones from 8 am each morning till his exit daily at 4:45 pm.

Can we not apply to him the Church prayer which welcomes the sons and daughters of God. How happy is that man whose soul gains paradise! Angels, rejoice; archangels, sing praise; the company of virgins welcomes him; choirs of saints call out to him: Stay with us forever.

The flip side of this extraordinary dedication, this Lasallian zeal, reveals a sense of proportion and balance with his community life devotion, characterized by disciplined regularity, invariable presence and consistent service in his assignments

Over the years, Brother Christian was a participant in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities but also, a person sensitive to the need for wholesome recreation whether at the theater, cinema, or summer excursions.

One of his outstanding qualities was his deep affection and association with his many relatives. Comparable to this: his love and practice of a faith filled life. A Brother for real, indeed.

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND

The Lord has supported him all his life long, as shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and his work is done.

Then, in the mercy of God, may He give Brother Christian Jones a safe lodging and a holy rest and boundless joy. Amen.

CBA Community Mourns Longtime Educator
Article written by Jennifer Bradshaw
Asbury Park Press – Monday 3/22/2010