I learned yesterday that my dear friend Dr. Howard O. Jones passed away on Sunday at age 89. Dr. Jones was the first African American evangelist to join Billy Graham’s ministry team back in the 1950s. In my book, Reconciliation Blues, I talk about some of the hostility and discrimination that he encountered from other Christians because of his race. I helped him write his autobiography, which was published by Moody in 2003.
As I worked with Dr. Jones, I was struck primarily by his passion for God and for preaching the Good News. The gospel seemed to naturally exude from him, no matter what he was doing or discussing. He was a preacher to the core, and he sincerely believed that a relationship with Christ would provide the answer to any problem or trial that we face in this life.
I also was struck by Dr. Jones’ devotion to his beloved wife, Wanda, who had been his partner in ministry for more than 50 years. Together they raised five kids and traveled the world to preach the Word of God. When I first met Dr. Jones back in 1997, Wanda had been battling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease for a few years. I recall accompanying Dr. Jones to the Oberlin, Ohio, nursing home where Wanda was a resident for the last few years of her life. I remember the tender way that he fed her and read to her from his Bible. Though she could no longer speak, her eyes seemed to light up as he spoke to her. When Wanda died in 2001, Dr. Jones was devastated. But he held on to his faith in God, and he would tell Wanda’s story (and pass out copies of her book) wherever he went.
Dr. Jones was a great man of God who loved Christ with all is heart. I’m grateful that I had the chance to know him personally and to help him record his story for posterity. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, courage, and reconciliation that should inspire the church for generations to come.
If you’re interested, you can read my 1998 Christianity Today profile of Dr. Jones. I interviewed him for Decision magazine back in 2002. Also, his autobiography, Gospel Trailblazer, is available through Amazon.
Reconciliation Blog 
Ed, thank you for this beautiful tribute of my father. He thought the world of you and was delighted bythe fact that you helped him write his autobiography that he was so pleased with, as were we.
Thank you for your faithfulness as a friend.
In Him, His Youngest Daughter Lisa.
Dear Lisa,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful note. Your dad was very special to me. During our times together, he always spoke so fondly and proudly of you and your siblings. I’m praying for God’s peace and strength for you and your family during this difficult time. But I also give thanks for your dad’s remarkable life — a life well lived. Thanks again.
Blessings,
Ed G.
My sincere condolences to the Jones family. We(Bingham family) knew of us knew Howard O Jones as Pastor and friend. He pastored Bethany C&MA, 1271 Stebbins Ave, BX, NY. Few remember that Howard O Jones was a superb Saxophine artist. His years at Bethany C&MA nurtured a strong music culture. Many vocalist, trios and pianist were nurtured in Bethany. Howard O Jones would take soloist and trios on his early speaking engagements in his early years at Bethany. Howard O Jones was part of a male quartet at Nyack. (pic) http://quietzonesilenceisspeaking.blogspot.com/2010/11/howard-o-jones-april-12-1921-november.html
I spent my formative music ministry years at Bethany. I played the piano for the Jones sister (daughter) on occassion, while I attended Nyack College. I tribute Howard O Jones for grounding the Bethany music culture in great music ie. Hymns and anthems. My present music is well grounded in a sound music tradition. Phil Bingham http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/philbingham