The funeral service for veteran drummer Desmond ‘Desi’ Jack Jones will be held on Monday, June 3, at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on North Street.

The service will commence at 1:00 pm with a tribute from musicians led by saxophonist Dean Fraser.

Jones passed away on Saturday, May 11, after he was found unresponsive at his home. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. He is survived by his wife, Judith Jones; his son Joshua; and his daughter Jodie.

Judith is asking for cheerful colors at the thanksgiving service. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange has lauded the drummer as one of Jamaica’s most outstanding musicians.

He was a founding member of the band Chalice. He recorded a number of albums with Chalice before leaving to form his own band, Skool. He also toured extensively and recorded with Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Mutabaruka, Marcia Griffiths, jazz pianist Monty Alexander, and guitarist Ernie Ranglin.

“For years, Desi had been a fixture on the live music scene, where he was very much in demand as a drummer and jazz musician,” Grange said, reflecting on the work of the musician.

Jones was also a lecturer in music and wrote the only known book on reggae drumming.

The musician was recognized by the government for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of reggae, show music, and jazz in 2019.

He was also the recipient of the 2023 JARIA Award for exceptional musician (instrumentalist).