A memorial service for the late Oliver Jones is scheduled to be held at Union United Church, situated near the renowned jazz musician’s childhood residence and the venue of his debut performance at the age of five, which marked the beginning of his illustrious career. Jones passed away on July 22 at the age of 91. The service, set for Thursday, follows a public visitation held at city hall the day before.
Union United Church, a historic Black congregation established 119 years ago, is located just minutes away from Jones’s family home in the Little Burgundy neighborhood. Throughout his extensive music career, Jones received numerous accolades, including JUNO awards, honorary doctorates, and appointments to the orders of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada. He was closely associated with Little Burgundy and the Montreal Jazz Festival, where he performed regularly from 1981 to 1999.
The memorial service on Thursday will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET and will feature musical tributes, prayers, and speeches to honor Jones’s legacy.