The football community has paid emotional tributes to Essendon favourite son Jack Jones, who passed away on Monday at the age of 95 after a battle with cancer.
The triple premiership player, club Hall of Fame member and war veteran was Essendon’s oldest surviving player behind Harold Lambert, universally adored for his affability, wisdom and decency.
Affectionately known as 'Gentleman Jack', he was a charming man who possessed an aura and warmth, leaving a lasting impact on those who met him.
Below are some beautiful tributes for Jack via Twitter.
The club extends its deepest condolences to Jack’s beautiful wife Mary and children Anne-Maree, Brian, John, Lynn, Peter and Tony, as well as his extended family.
One of life’s true gentlemen, we will all miss you incredibly, Jack.
My condolences Sarah to you and your family.
— Matthew Lloyd (@MatthewLloyd18) March 24, 2020
Jack was universally known amongst all that knew him as one of the greatest human beings on the planet.
An absolute gentleman who had a real aura about him yet made everyone around him feel so comfortable in his presence.
RIP Jack https://t.co/SIgKavYbSh
A war hero. An @essendonfc hero. But most of all, just one of the kindest and most beautiful men I’ve ever had the privilege of spending time with. My heart is so heavy tonight. Sending love to his entire family. I’ll miss you, Jack Jones xx #RIPJackJones pic.twitter.com/6ltcEc44Aa
— Candice Wyatt (@CandiceWyatt10) March 24, 2020
Vale Mr Jones @essendonfc - I will miss seeing your beautiful face each year at bombers functions. An Aussie icon and true statesmen, may you Rest In Peace. Condolences to the family ?? pic.twitter.com/Bn9VqKcQf2
— Nova Peris OAM OLY MAICD (@NovaPeris) March 24, 2020
RIP Jack.A true Gentleman that had so much time for myself & so many more young Bomber players.He sacrificed so much for this country & was & always will be the Anzac spirit for @essendonfc Condolences to @sarahjonesFOX and your entire family.We lost a great one today. ??Solly https://t.co/nAxkCMFWsx
— Dean Solomon (@SollySolomon) March 24, 2020
What a legend. Only a handful of ‘Essendon’ people have touched as many as Jack. A favourite son. And a grandfather to many. Truly red and black. Rest In Peace. Thinking of Mary and the entire Jones family. https://t.co/UQoyp38GAp
— Xavier Campbell (@xaviercampbell) March 24, 2020
It was pleasure getting to know Jack Jones over the years. He was beautiful man and no one was more passionate about @essendonfc than Gentleman Jack. Thoughts are with @sarahjonesFOX and her family
— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) March 24, 2020
Rest In Peace, Jack Jones. One of the most amazing, generous and kind humans I’ve ever met. You will he missed by many, and @essendonfc will never be the same. A true Aussie hero. pic.twitter.com/ZGUTmD3JMa
— Jonno Simpson (@JonnoSimpson) March 24, 2020
They broke the mould with Jack. He was an amazing man. This is extremely sad. Condolences to his family and many friends. ?? https://t.co/ZKxjt5zXBn
— Daniel Harford (@HarfSerious) March 24, 2020
Heart sore at this news. Not just an Essendon hero but an Australian hero who defended this country and spent his latter years educating the younger generation about the war experience. Rest easy Jack. Vale. https://t.co/bLFbDsAW8B
— Camille G (@Cami181) March 24, 2020
Jack was a genuine gentleman. Always had time for a chat, laugh and a hot chocolate.
— Julian Wallace (@wallace1292) March 24, 2020
Grateful to have met someone of such character. https://t.co/JJfyBa7zNg
"I'm red in one eye and black in the other" He would tell everyone, rest in peace Jack. ???? https://t.co/K7PXkovbAE
— Benjamin Corson (@benscorson) March 24, 2020
RIP Jack ?
— Michael Shmerling (@Shmerls) March 24, 2020
At Tafe in '05, we had to do a TV assignment. Myself and my partner chose to do a docco on @essendonfc. Jack was our tour guide, he took us around and allowed us to interview him. He was so warm, welcoming and kind. Will never forget that day. Thank you Jack?
In this fight we needed this bloke. Imagine being in the trenches with #JackJones of @essendonfc .
— Robert Shaw (@shawry_analyst) March 24, 2020
#24 Left us on 24th 24th Battalion
?? of EFC
What an absolute treasure of a person, soldier, dad, grandfather, husband and footballer. @sarahjonesFOX RIP Jack. #privileged?? https://t.co/MdGwc7h5Qh pic.twitter.com/w6ye3y0vdq
