The Reverend Claude John Jones

The Reverend Claude John Jones, 85, of Windsor Heights, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026. He was born on December 18, 1940, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to Justin Ladd Jones and Ethelyn Margaret Jones.

Claude attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before earning his Master of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 1969. He later returned to the institution as Director of Church Relations, continuing a lifelong connection to the seminary where his own ministry began.

Throughout his career, Claude served as chaplain aboard the HOPE Hospital Ship in Brazil, and as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa, and Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

It was in Des Moines that Claude met the love of his life, Annamaria. The two were married on June 26, 2005.

Beyond his ministry, Claude was well known among antique automobile enthusiasts for the many years he spent organizing the Motor Ioway road tours. It was a series of thousand-mile tours that first inspired him, then a pastor at Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, to pursue the idea of a motor tour of Iowa. "I have been interested in automobiles since I was a child, always enjoying vacations and touring," he said. "I also enjoy the special beauty of Iowa. Through my work as a pastor, I have led church tours through five continents and still find that the beauty of Iowa offers many surprises."

He was also an accomplished vocalist and a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

Claude is survived by his wife, Annamaria; his beloved cat, Snipsy Doodle; his children, Amy (David) Marotz, William (Toni) Morrison, and Rorie Jane (John) Reagan; and his grandchildren, Alexandra, Justin, and baby Reagan. He is also survived by his sisters, Jacqulyn Gunnarson, Cynthia (Terry) Johnson, and Jeanne (Tom) Manzer, all of South Dakota; and remembered by extended family in Flandreau, South Dakota; Superior, Wisconsin; and Duluth, Minnesota.

Celebration of Life on December 15th, 2026 at Lutheran Church of Hope (WDM, IA). Visitation at 10am, Service at 11am, followed by a lunch. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his name to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.