Ian Jones, long-time owner/operator of Oxford Hotel, loses cancer battle

There has been an outpouring of grief following the death of popular publican and loving family man Ian Jones who owned and operated Rockhampton’s iconic CBD venue, The Oxford Hotel.

Owner of Rockhampton’s Oxford Hotel Ian Jones behind the bar at the popular waterhole.

Josh Jones admits he’ll feel a little lost now that he can’t pick up the phone and call his dad and best mate Ian every day.

Ian, the long-time owner/operator of the Oxford Hotel in Rockhampton’s CBD, lost his two-year battle with cancer on Tuesday morning, aged 68.

He died at Greenslopes Private Hospital surrounded by his family – Helen, his wife of 43 years, and their three children – Josh, Sasha and Brooke.

Ian’s brave fight and determination to never surrender to the dreaded disease typified the character he was.

Ian Jones is being fondly remembered by family, friends and the broader Rockhampton community.

The Rockhampton community is mourning the loss of a popular publican, generous benefactor and savvy businessman.

The Joneses are mourning a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather; a man whose hard work, kindness and compassion was the epicentre of their family circle.

Josh said the flood of messages and tributes since his father’s passing had provided incredible comfort for the family.

“It’s really beautiful. I’ve had a lot of messages,” Josh said.

“He was loved by a lot of people.

“He was a wonderful father and was a real provider for his family.

“He was a very generous man, and he was very loyal.”

Josh said the family had enjoyed a memorable Christmas together and had been by Ian’s side for the past week while he was hospitalised in Brisbane.

“He’s obviously been very unwell with cancer for two years … but it was still a shock that he went so quickly,” he said.

“Even when times were tough, he was always there as a rock for everyone.

“He never gave up. That was obvious in his battle with cancer; even in the final days, he was still saying he was going to get out of there and he was going to beat it.

“I’m going to miss his constant presence. He was my best mate, I would talk to him every day, four or five times a day.

“I’ll miss just having a Dad who was so supportive, who offered that unconditional support.

“He took great pride in everything that every member of his family did.”

Ian had been a familiar and friendly face behind the bar at the Oxford since he and Helen took over the business on December 10, 1984.

Josh described his dad as an “old-school publican” who connected with the community through the pub.

“Everyone knew that when they went in there, he was going to be there to have a beer with them,” he said.

“If there was tragedy in the community, he was there to offer support. If there was a celebration to be had, he was there too.”

Josh said he and his two younger sisters grew up in the Oxford.

“We had accommodation back in those days; mum would cook meals for the lodgers and dad would work downstairs,” he said.

“We’ve grown up as a family in the business, and all worked in the business.”

Josh said his parents proved formidable business partners and were proud of their role in developing The Edge Restaurant and Bar in Victoria Parade.

“They sold the land to the developers of The Edge Apartment Hotel and owned and operated the restaurant and bar there for nine years until they sold that,” he said.

“Dad was really proud of what he achieved in building that venue.

“The Oxford is where his heart is but he did take great pride in building something so beautiful there.”

Josh said his father was a big supporter of live music and was always keen to give local talent the chance to showcase their skills at the Oxford.

Jeremy Marou, from Rockhampton’s celebrated duo Busby Marou, credits Ian with playing a “pivotal role” in the formative years of their career.

Josh said there was probably not a musician in town who had not played at the Oxford or who didn’t know his father.

There were so many others who had had a positive interaction with the gentleman affectionately known as “Old Man Jones”.

“Every time I’d come back to Rocky, everywhere you’d go with him people were always saying hello to him and wanting to stop for a chat,” Josh said.

The incredible life of Ian Jones will be celebrated on Saturday.

“I guess over 37 years, he’d come across and met a lot of people.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of his mates down at the Oxford having a beer for him,

“If there’s a bar in heaven, you can bet he’s already found it and is enjoying a cold beer right now. He sure does deserve one.”

Ian will be farewelled at a service at the East Chapel, Rockhampton Crematorium, at 11am on Saturday.

That will be followed by a send-off at the Oxford to celebrate his incredible life.