Father Overton J. Jones, a retired priest of the Diocese of Camden whose years of active ministry included both educational and pastoral work, and much of it accomplished in Atlantic City, died on March 14.
He was 86 and had been living at Saint Mary Center, Cherry Hill.
Father Jones was pastor of Saint Monica Parish in Atlantic City, 1993-98. He next served as administrator of Holy Spirit Parish, Atlantic City, 1998-2001, and his last assignment before retirement was as a senior priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Cape May, 2001-03.
For many years, 1965-91, Father Jones taught at Holy Spirit High School, while serving as parochial vicar in residence at several parishes: Saint Monica, 1965-72; Saint Augustine, Ocean City, 1972-78; Epiphany, Longport, 1978; Saint Bernadette, Northfield, 1981-89; and Saint Thomas, Brigantine, 1989-91.
He was parochial vicar at Saint Mary Parish, Williamstown, 1991-93.
Father Jones was born in New Orleans and completed his seminary studies at Saint Mary, Techny, Illinois. He was ordained May 16, 1964 by Archbishop Celestine J. Damiano in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden.
His first assignment was at Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral, Camden.
Father Jones served for a time as a member of the admissions board for the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Camden.
Bishop Dennis Sullivan was scheduled to celebrate the funeral Mass on Friday, March 20, at Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, Northfield.
Burial will be in New Orleans.