Mick Jones (16 Jan 1937 - 7 Aug 2016)

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MickCancer Research UK

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MickEssex Wildlife Trust

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Location
Chelmsford Crematorium South Chapel Writtle Road Chelmsford CM1 3BL
Date
26th Aug 2016
Time
3.30pm
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Location
Essex County Cricket Club New Writtle Street Chelmsford CM2 0PG
Date
26th Aug 2016
Time
4.45pm

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In loving memory of Mick Jones who sadly passed away peacefully at home on 7th August 2016.
Mick played an active and leading role in the Ford Motorsport team, from its start at Boreham in 1962. He travelled all around the world competing successfully with the Escorts in the World Cup Rally in 197o and the World Rally Championship throughout the 70's, culminating in winning the World Rally Championship in 1979. In 1984 he took over running the South African Ford rally team, until Ford withdrew from rallying there. He is fondly remembered by many for his energy, drive, humour, and determination to get the cars not only to the finish, but to win. He returned home in 1996 where he continued to be involved in building race and rally cars until he finally retired in 2012, but even then he was always ready to answer fans questions on all aspects of building and running Escorts. To Mick, retirement didn't mean slowing down and he was still active with many hobbies mainly photography and bird watching (he was a member of Essex Wildlife Trust and spent many happy hours walking along the seawall), gardening and more recently avid sports watching of every kind.
He will be greatly missed by his large family and his many friends from all around the world.
Every body has a Mick Jones story , so please feel free to leave your story or photos on the memorial page.

Colin Rogers wrote

Cannot believe that Mick has gone, so soon after Bill Meade. Sad times.
I first met Mick at Boreham in 1970 and we had a great working relationship throughout the 70s during the halcyon days of the Mk 1 and Mk 2 Escorts. My task was to procure everything for the programme and they were wonderful times with fantastic success. Mick was always so appreciative of the efforts made to secure everything sometimes meeting near impossible deadlines.
Mick was one of life's characters and I often used to smile at the colourful language emanating from him which would be directed to not only colleagues but also to directors and even vice presidents.
However it was all taken in good humour.
Mick will be sorely missed.
ps Sorry I couldn't attend the funeral but I was away on a family holiday.

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Colin Rogers donated in memory of Mick

A larger than life character cannot believe Mick has gone.
Condolences to Pam and all the family

Colin Rogers

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John Griffiths donated £30 in memory of Mick

A very fitting farewell to Mick yesterday

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nigel stroud donated in memory of Mick

A good friend who I will sorely miss until we meet again.

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Alison Harding donated in memory of Mick

I know how much you loved the birds! Xxx

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Anton Richardson wrote

I was fortunate enough to start my career working alongside the best mentor and friend one could wish for. I'll be having the customary glass of "Rusty" water after work this afternoon..... great memories Mick, Cheers for now

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Anton Richardson lit a candle
Patti Machell is attending the funeral
Peter Tracey donated in memory of Mick

Well remembered Mick, many memories of the days gone by, especially at Boreham.

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Scott Wheeler is attending the funeral and the reception
Gemma Nicholls donated £20 in memory of Mick

Thinking of you all love from Andy Gemma Lewis and Rebecca xx

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Julian Dench donated £17.03 in memory of Mick
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Julian Dench is attending the funeral and the reception
Phil Sims lit a candle
Phil Sims donated £20 in memory of Mick
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Phil Sims donated £20 in memory of Mick

In fond memory of a perfect neighbour. RIP Mick.

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Phil Sims is attending the funeral and the reception
Julian Dench donated £17.03 in memory of Mick

I had the great fortune to work with Mick at Boreham in 1981 during the RS1700 development. It was a learning experience that I will never forget! I met Mick again during a testing trip with Ford to South Africa when Mick was based in Port Elizabeth - he lent me one of the original Boreham RS1700s for a weekend - I still have the piece of paper he left inside the car "Fuel gauge is dodgy - empty when reading 1/4 full. Be careful only 1 in the world". One of a kind who will sadly missed by all who knew him.

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Joy Owen donated in memory of Mick
The good old days of Boreham, we will miss you Mick, and apologies can't be with you on Friday, but will be thinking of you all, especially Pam.    Joy

The good old days of Boreham, we will miss you Mick, and apologies can't be with you on Friday, but will be thinking of you all, especially Pam. Joy

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Mark Heale lit a candle
Mark Heale wrote

I was fortunate enough to meet Mick while on holiday in south africa having been given an introduction by saloon car ledgend Barrie williams. so while in johanesburg i duly called the number that barrie had given me and sure enough mick answered and was kind enough to invite us to see the competition dept at Toyota where he was preparing cars for the roof of africa rally which was a huge privilege, his stories of ford and whizzo's antics in the 70's were very amusing and i cosider myself very privileged to have met such a motorsport Great!
R.I.P. Mick gone but never forgotten.

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Karl Davies wrote

Rest in peace Mick , a hero of mine from the golden era of rallying. We only met once but it was very special to me listening to your stories , I have always be wary of meeting my hero's most turn out to be a disappointment but you most definatly were not ! Thanks for the memories.

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Laura Jones wrote

There been so many funny things u done to make us laugh. Like flattering your car battery because u wanted to listen to the cricket. Dropping your shorts to show us u been stung by a wasp on u bum. Asking waitresses to add a dash of speed to our order . You got told off by the vicar at mine n riks wedding because u was talking to loud. But 1 things stands out was when we told u to google yourself and u did it said u were a LEGEND. You certainly was.
The day I married your son I called u dad and u told me I was very cheeky but I know u loved it really but u always signed birthday & Christmas cards from dad.
We really are gonna miss u our memories will never fade and your always be with us
Lots of love rip dad xxxx

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Steve Walton wrote

Over two weeks have passed and I still really don't know what to say...... proud to have met and known one of the true characters from the golden age of rallying with many non-pc moments to look back on!

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STUART MCCRUDDEN donated in memory of Mick

Arriving at Boreham having tricked the Ford Training system to get me there I was Mick's gofar and proudly took the handle macspudgen for ever. He was loud, proud and held winning above everything. He took me to the Ship at Tiptree with sawdust on the floor - its that long ago. What did I learn? Everything about life and running cars. You never give up, theres always a way to get it running, and "we're better than them". Get up earlier and stay later if you want to get ahead was the way he drove himself and everyone around him followed. He covered some miles in life around the globe but there was always a witty reposte and a sly smile. One of a kind for sure. Loved you Mick and thanks for teaching me so much. RIP. Sorry can't be there on the day but thinking about you, Pam, little Ricky and the family. God bless. Stuart

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Terry Bradley donated £10 in memory of Mick

A Rough Diamond (with the emphasis on Diamond!), it was a pleasure knowing and working with Mick. My sincere condolences to Pam and all the family.

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simon walton donated £10 in memory of Mick
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