Christopher Lynn Jones

HUDSON - Christopher Lynn Jones, known lovingly as Chris, Dad, Papa, Pastor Chris, and Friend, passed away on September 26, 2025, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, at the age of 65. His final days were marked by a complicated illness, but he was surrounded by love, prayers, laughter, and family.

Born on September 22, 1960, in Independence, Missouri, Chris was raised in Bixby, Oklahoma. Immediately after his birth, his mother dedicated him to God, naming him Christopher, meaning “to bear Christ.” This was a name and dedication that took Chris nearly a lifetime to grow into—but one he ultimately embraced through his devotion to faith, compassion, and love for all.

Chris’s journey through life was anything but linear. He began his academic career at the University of Oklahoma before moving to Pittsburgh, where he earned an MFA in Acting from the University of Pittsburgh. It was there, in 1984, that he met Linda Simpson—his partner in life and ministry. Together, they built a family and a legacy rooted in compassion and service.

Their son, Dylan Beckett Jones, was born in 1989. In 1993, their family grew again with the birth of their second child, A. Leighton Jones.

Eventually, after years of trial, error, tribulation, and hard-earned lessons, Chris embraced the love of God. In doing so, he answered his lifelong spiritual calling by earning a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Chris’s professional life reflected his passion for helping others and sharing God’s love. He worked as an emergency clinician at CSO in Athol and served as pastor at New Beginnings United Methodist Church in Townsend. Later, he became the pastor for both the First United Methodist Church of Hudson and the First United Methodist Church of Marlborough.

Pastor Chris preached with conviction about the power of love—reminding all who listened that “Love is a verb,” and that we are called to tend the garden and embrace the Kingdom of God here and now. His favorite verse was Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” His sermons often centered on themes of transformation, grace, and our real-life superpower—the Holy Spirit. Chris is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda Simpson Jones; his mother, Cathryn Mary Jones; his sister, Melissa Ann Jones; his children, Dylan Beckett Jones and A. Leighton Jones; his daughter-in-law, Maggie Jones; and his cherished grandchildren, Evelyn Jones and Calvin Jones. He joins his father, Lynn Beckett Jones, in eternal rest.

Pastor Chris lived a life full of twists and turns—each one leading him closer to purpose, faith, and love. May his memory be a blessing, and may those who knew him find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind: one of laughter, devotion, transformation, and unwavering love.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Hudson, 34 Felton Street. A reception will follow. Please dress as you feel comfortable or wear something that reminds you of our beloved Chris.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward a memorial garden for Chris. Checks can be sent to: First United Methodist Church of Hudson 34 Felton Street, Hudson, MA 01749 Memo: Chris’s Garden You may also Venmo Linda Jones @Linda-Jones-90 with the note “For Chris’s Garden.”

Arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.