Tributes paid to inspirational former teacher Willie Jones

Willie Jones (staff 1959-77) died at his home in Japan on May 1^st aged 94.

Although Willie left Shrewsbury almost 50 years ago he is one of the masters whose influence long outlasted his time at the School, and whose name comes up most regularly in conversation with Old Salopians.

Willie carried out a teaching placement at Shrewsbury whilst training in 1956 and returned to a permanent post in 1959.

Over the next 18 years he was Head of English and Master in Charge of the Hunt. He is remembered for his egalitarian teaching methods- arranging desks in an oval instead of rows; his speed and skill as a runner and, in a far more buttoned up era, his emotional response to his subject- he would regularly well up when teaching a particular moving text. He was also a brilliant singer, actor and director- his productions of Othello and Waiting for Godot were mentioned in many of the tributes received by the Salopian Club when he died. Most of all he is remembered for his kindness and humanity to pupils and staff alike.

Willie left Shrewsbury in 1977, and school teaching for good in 1979, when he moved to Japan. He was an emeritus professor of Hokkaido University in Sapporo and as loved and respected by his colleagues and students as he was at Shrewsbury. He also wrote a large number of books of prose, poetry and memoir. He was still teaching online classes up until relatively recently despite failing health and the loss of his eyesight.

Willie’s ashes are being returned to England and will be scattered at a favourite spot in Herefordshire by his former pupils and friends from both England and Japan.