Rev. Arthur T. Jones’ Services Set for Thursday, Friday

Carrollwood area residents will pay their final respects to the religious leader who was responsible for founding Bible-Based Fellowship Church later today and again tomorrow.

The 4811 Ehrlich Road church founded by the Rev. Arthur T. Jones is the site for a viewing from 5 to 9 p.m. tonight, May 9. The church will also host a “Homegoing Celebration” on Friday, May 10 at 11 a.m. Both services are open to the public, according to the church’s website.

Jones, 65, died Saturday, May 4. He announced a cancer diagnosis to his congregation members on Dec. 31, 2010.

On the day he died, some representatives of his ministry were staging a conference on health care while others served meals to the homeless at downtown Tampa’s Salvation Army, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

 "He was a visionary leader, not only for his church, but also for our community," the Times quoted former Hillsborough County Commissioner Thomas Scott, also a pastor, as saying.

News of Jones’ passing touched Patch readers.

“He is my Pastor and a man of God, he will be missed by us all,” wrote Patch reader Lonnie after hearing of his death.

“From the beginning - I recognized the unquestionable impact that Bible Based would have on our community and the world over,” wrote D.B. “So it's no surprise to me the path that was dredged and the legacy that is left by Pastor Jones is as great as he was as a teacher, preacher and visionary with a huge heart. The scripture at the bottom of my daughter and son's baptism certificates from 1992 (performed by Pastor Jones) and dated May 5th, 1993 reads: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19, still holds true to his (Pastor Jones') life and is true testament of his life.”

Even those who had never met Jones were touched by his death.

“I never met this great man of God, yet grew up listening to his music,” wrote David A. Whitfield Sr. “I can't help but feel as if I knew him personally. May the comfort of knowing the Lord bring comfort to the first family and to the congregation of Bible-Based.”

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