Tributes for ‘Jonsey’

ONE of the Gold Coast’s bestknown radio presenters is being remembered as a “true gentleman”.

John “Jonsey” Jones, one of 4GG’s biggest stars in the 1970s and 1980s, died on Monday after an illness. His passing came just days after celebrating his 80th birthday party.

Between 1978 and 1985 Mr Jones hosted the 9am-12pm show with long-time friend Rhonda Sharratt.

“He will always be remembered as a true gentleman,” Ms Sharratt told the Bulletin yesterday. “He was kind, sincere, a devoted family man and didn’t have a selfish bone in his body.

“A lot of people will remember Jonsey for his beautiful, rich voice that belied his stature. He sounded like he was six-feet tall but he was not actually a tall man.”

4GG was the Gold Coast’s only licensed radio station and was on the air from 1967 until 1989 when it became 4GGG.

In his later years Mr Jones was a regular fixture at reunion gatherings held by veterans of the station.

Judith Ferber, who worked with Mr Jones (pictured) for decades, remembered him as “a dear friend”.

“He was one of nature’s true gentlemen and was much loved for his radio adventures as well as being a friendly person,” she said.

“One of my fondest memories was when he met British comedian Ronnie Corbett – they looked so alike and it was very funny to see them sideby-side.”

Ms Ferber said she saw Mr Jones in the days before his death to mark his birthday.

“He was part of the 4GG family and there are many people who remember him that way,” she said. “We have lost of few of us this year but those of us still here like to think of the boys up there having a drink and chat together.”

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.