John Jones, a longstanding director in the valuations and advisory services department at Colliers International, has died at the age of 68.
Jones, who was known as JJ among colleagues and friends, was on a cricket tour to Menorca when he died on 10 June.
Tony Horrell, CEO of Colliers UK and Ireland, said: “John was a highly valued member of the firm and an outstanding expert in his field. His influence and legacy is widespread through his commitment to mentoring younger surveyors to develop their own successful careers. He is greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Educated at Sheffield Polytechnic, he graduated in 1976 with a degree in urban land economics.
After leaving his hometown of Trefeglwys to attend university, Jones returned to Wales where he joined the Cardiff Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue. He spent eight years in the role, where he rose to a senior position. In 1985, he moved to Watford, where he took on roles as deputy and then district valuer.
Following 12 years in the public sector Jones joined the private sector as a senior surveyor at Gooch & Wagstaff, where he became known as the ‘Welsh Wizard’ in recognition of his abilities to solve difficult problems for both clients and colleagues.
He quickly rose to associate, then was promoted to salaried partner in 1992, ultimately becoming a full equity partner in 1995.
In the years that followed Jones stayed with the firm, which became NAI Gooch Webster in 1998 before its acquisition by Colliers in 2003, through several mergers. He remained as a director for just shy of 20 years.
During his career he dealt with a variety of property, but his experience working for the Valuation Office equipped him with specialist knowledge in compulsory purchase. This remained one of his areas of expertise and formed a constant part of his working life in the private sector.
Jones was also known for his advisory skills in dealing with section 18 valuations, expert witness work, rating, motorway service areas and in providing affordable housing solutions to several longstanding developer clients.
Outside of his business career, Jones was a talented sketch artist, woodworker, brewer and cricketer.
He is succeeded by his wife Carole and daughter Rachael.
The funeral will be held at St Saviours Church, St Albans at 2.30pm on Thursday 11 August. The family is open to attendees from the industry.
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