Countrywide Communications Phil Jones tragically loses his life

Phil Jones a long time friend and colleague of Benelec and the Professional Radio industry last week tragically lost his life when the plane he was piloting crashed while landing at Moree Airport.

Phillip Jones, local business identity Digby Boland, his wife and their daughter were killed when Phil’s Piper Saratoga crashed about 900 metres north of Moree Airport about 8pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 30th March. Two passengers survived the crash.

Phil's mate Don McAlister first met him 40 years ago when they learned how to fly at the local Aeroclub. "I don't know what could have happened. Phil was very methodical and meticulous in his preparations. I've been on many flights in that plane and it has never had a problem," Mr McAlister said. John McGrath another of Phil’s pilot friends and colleagues is equally shocked at the accident as he too attests to Phil’s meticulous flying and pre flight preparations.

Phil Jones and wife Jan were Moree institutions. Phil worked for his father and completed his apprenticeship in Moree. During his apprenticeship he was fortunate to have work experience with Ted Dunn in the early days of GME and with AWA on the television side. He initially traded as Phillip Jones & Co and then Countrywide Communications which has been trading for in excess of 30 years. Phil and Jan have for decades run Countrywide Communications and the Telstra shop in Moree. Phil was also a partner with John McGrath in Comwide Distributors business in Brisbane where they ran the Benelec QLD operation for many years, Apart from his passion for flying Phil was renowned for his down to earth nature and his get the job done right attitude. Phil has 5 Repeater sites which cover the Moree Plains Shire Council Area. The sites cover from Boggabilla in the North to Narrabri in the South and West to Mungindi and Collarenebri. He provided access on his towers to all emergency services, ie Police Fire and Ambulance, SES etc as well as local councils and Telco’s etc.

His experience and professionalism will be sadly missed in the industry and trips to Agquip where his company played a major role with GME will never be the same without Phil there.

David Benchoam and many others considered Phil a personal friend enjoying a steak and bottle of red with every visit to Moree. Phil will be sadly missed and visits to the region will not be the same again,.

Phil is survived by his wife Jan, sons Tate, Adrian & Macauley, stepson Matthew and sister Marcia.

Phil’s Funeral was held Thursday 7th April in Moree at 2PM.