Obituary written by the family of Bryan Jones.

Bryan Jones

July 25, 1944 ~ August 26, 2025

Bryan Leslie Jones was known for his talent, his musicality, his kindness, and his wit…….mix the order in any way…..it all comes out as Bryan…..

Born in Toronto his family moved to Verona NJ when he was 8. Bryan was on the tennis and yes, bowling teams at Verona High School, earning Varsity letters in both.

He was an avid tennis player, water skier, and anything athletic.

He was a social worker in the army for 2 years and was always saddened by memories of the soldiers he counseled upon their return from Vietnam.

He later worked as a social worker for NJ Bureau of Children’s Services before committing to music, specifically Jazz, full-time.

He lived above a bar in Orange while playing in a jazz band he started. He told the story of the bar opening every morning at 6 am and the jukebox loudly blaring Frank Sinatra singing My Way.

In time Bryan sought to improve his skill on the saxophone.

He moved to Connecticut to study alto saxophone privately with Jackie McLean. Later he studied privately with another jazz great, Phil Woods.

Bryan continued with his sax throughout his life, playing regularly at jam sessions led by Trumpeter Ted Curson. On two occasions he played with Ted in New York City as well.

Ted requested that Bryan, along with other musicians he selected, come to his home to celebrate his birthday and a visit by the Prime Minister of Finland, who was also attending.

Bryan managed to maintain his Canadian sensibilities while successfully incorporating a Jersey Boy no-nonsense attitude.

He was an artist, a true Renaissance man. He crafted in wood, everything from the functional (fences, renovations, custom wine cellars ) to finely designed boxes, of all sorts in various materials and for different purposes. He was commissioned to build a custom unit to house the Grammy Awards for a popular songwriter.

Many of his friends still treasure the candleholders he made for them one Christmas, each unique and incorporating different woods.

He was always ready to play the piano when he saw one. And to throw a frisbee. And to offer a hand. He encouraged others to do what they loved…..Art, music, sports…..

He was gentle, kind, fun, talented, and curious. His love of life and the world was unstoppable.

He survived open-heart surgery, loss of hearing resulting from that surgery, prostate/bladder surgery, vision problems, and 2 brain bleeds that caused strokes.

His belief and motto was “Do the best you can with what you have”. He always did.

He leaves behind his best friend and forever love, Elaine, his son, Jesse, Canadian family, Barbara, Kelly, Brent, Parker and Riley and a host of friends, musical and otherwise.

His older brother, Barry Jones, of Toronto, passed recently, 5 1/2 months after Bryan.

Bryan is and will always be missed.

He was a glorious light in the world……that will forever shine