David William Jones

David William Jones 

2nd November 1934 – 5th September 2025 

We record with deep sadness the passing of David William Jones, a most loyal, kind, dependable and steadfast friend and servant of Winchester House for forty-one years, from 1955 to 1996 — a legendary Housian. 

DWJ was born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, the younger son of Phyllis and Charles Jones, an auctioneer and estate agent. At the age of seven he underwent a mastoidectomy which left him completely deaf in his left ear, a challenge he bore with quiet fortitude throughout his life. 

He was educated at a small private school in Malmesbury, Purton Stoke Preparatory School (now closed), before moving on to Dean Close School in Cheltenham. There he distinguished himself as a School Prefect and Head of House, and as a keen sportsman in the 1st XV Rugby, 1st XI Hockey and Cricket teams — an early indication of the enthusiasm for games that would later define so much of his professional life. 

After briefly working for E. K. Cole on leaving school — and with no desire to enter the family auctioneering business, which was destined for his brother Tony — David successfully applied to Winchester House in 1955 as a Junior Teacher. He began by teaching French and Games, later adding Scripture to his responsibilities. It was the start of more than four decades of dedicated service. 

In 1962 David became engaged to Thelma, and the couple were invited to take over from Fred Bate at Red House. They were married on 6th September 1962 and, just two weeks later, installed in Red House in time for the start of term. Situated on Brackley High Street, a short walk from the school, Red House accommodated twenty-one boys and three staff bedrooms. It was there that David and Thelma began their long and devoted ministry to Winchester House boarding life. 

DWJ’s contribution to Games was immense. He became Master in Charge of Hockey in 1963, Cricket in 1964 and Rugby in 1972. Generations of boys benefited not only from his sporting knowledge but from his fairness, encouragement and steady leadership on the touchline and the field. Many colleagues remember with much fondness the post-match debriefing sessions in David’s Office, which often lasted several hours after final whistles had been blown! 

Chapel life was equally important to David. His Christian faith, nurtured from his teenage years, remained central throughout his life. He would sometimes lead the Lower School Service, frequently led the Voluntary Service, and often gave the address at the Upper School Service when asked. His faith quietly informed his teaching, his pastoral care and his example. 

While at Red House, David and Thelma welcomed their two sons, Nigel and William, both of whom later joined Winchester House as pupils. Wanting their boys to have a family home of their own, the Jones family moved into a house in Brackley soon after Nigel started at the school. David also gave generously of his time to Scouting and was a stalwart supporter of Summer and Easter Camps. 

In 1972 he was appointed Senior Master. From 1976, when day pupils were first welcomed to Winchester House, he became Master in Charge of Day Pupils, taking on the important role of liaison between parents, the Headmaster and Matron. His calm judgement, reliability and pastoral sensitivity were greatly valued. 

In 1989, when Drayton House opened, David and Thelma moved once more to serve as House Parents — this time to the school’s first girl boarders. Beginning with just seven girls and soon growing to full capacity, Drayton House marked a new chapter in the school’s history. The Joneses embraced this unique role with characteristic warmth and commitment, helping to guide Winchester House through an important transition. 

Thelma retired in 1995 and David a year later. In retirement they moved first to Borth-y-Gest, and later to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. 

David is greatly missed by Thelma, by his sons Nigel and William and their families, and by his much-loved grandchildren. He will also be remembered with huge respect and deep affection by the countless pupils, colleagues and friends who were privileged to share in his forty-one years of service to Winchester House. 

A life of quiet faithfulness, steady leadership and wholehearted commitment — DWJ will forever remain a cherished part of Winchester House’s story. 

Malcolm Gough