COVID-19 crashed the Barnett Alumni Group party – and retired Barnett Bank of Jacksonville Chairman and CEO Hugh Jones's 90th birthday April 22.
Instead of a group bash, Jones's granddaughter ordered 90 cookies from Chick-fil-A to celebrate at a quiet dinner at home.
“The Barnett Alumni Group was making plans to gather for a reunion and to celebrate Hugh's 90th before COVID 19 put us all 'at home,'” said alum Judy Hall Lanier, who worked with Barnett from 1989-96 in community affairs, market relations and communications. Jones hired her.
“Now we will be sending Hugh virtual hugs and best wishes on the Barnett Alumni Facebook page.”
Lanier and others were planning a celebration for more than 200 former employees of Jacksonville-based Barnett Banks but postponed it.
Jones began his banking career with Chemical Bank in New York before joining Barnett Bank of Jacksonville in 1970, becoming chair and CEO in 1982.
He retired from Barnett in 1993, while continuing community work.
Charlotte, North Carolina-based NationsBank Corp. bought Barnett Banks Inc. in 1998 and then merged with Bank of America.
Jackie Jones, Hugh's wife, said in an email to Lanier that keeping Jones contained has been the biggest challenge.
“I think he has finally realized he can't run around – even to the bank.”