Alec Jones – A Life Lived for Others
Black Bourton has lost one of its true community pillars. For four decades, Alec Jones was the beating heart of our small Oxfordshire village — a man who gave his time, his energy, and his boundless enthusiasm to ensuring that everyone who called Black Bourton home truly felt that they belonged.
Alec was the driving force behind the Black Bourton Village Association, an organisation that brought neighbours together and gave the community its enduring sense of identity. Through his leadership and quiet dedication, the Association became a cornerstone of village life — a testament to what one person’s commitment can build.
He will perhaps be best remembered for two of Black Bourton’s most cherished traditions. The village fete, which Alec helped organise year after year, became a highlight of the calendar — a joyful celebration that drew people together and reminded everyone why living in a close-knit community is something to be treasured. And then there was the apple pressing, a wonderfully seasonal ritual that carried Alec’s unmistakable stamp — warm, generous, and rooted in the very best of country life.
But it was in the quieter moments that Alec’s personality shone perhaps most brightly. Whenever a new family or individual arrived in the village, it was Alec who would appear at their door — friendly face, warm welcome, and an unspoken message that they were not just moving into a house, but into a community that would look out for them.
Alec Jones didn’t just live in Black Bourton. He made it what it is. And the lives he touched — the friendships he sparked, the doors he knocked on, the events he lovingly brought to life — will be his lasting legacy.
He is survived by his beloved wife Jane, and his sons Charlie and William, who meant the world to him. As the village mourns, its thoughts and warmest wishes are with them during this difficult time. They can take great comfort in knowing that Alec’s kindness and generosity of spirit lives on in every corner of the community he so dearly loved.
He will be deeply missed, and long celebrated.