Despite Joey Jones’s popularity, his beloved wife Janice remained private, standing by his side and supporting him throughout his career until his final moments.
Joseph Patrick Jones was a legendary Welsh footballer best known for his time as a defender with Liverpool FC and the Wales national team.
He played a key role in Liverpool’s success during the late 1970s, helping the club win the First Division title, two European Cups, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Throughout his career, he also played for Wrexham, Chelsea, and Huddersfield Town, and earned 72 international caps for Wales.
After retiring in 1992 at the age of 37, he remained involved in football as a coach and ambassador, particularly at Wrexham AFC.
Rest in peace, Joey Jones. pic.twitter.com/fqLZfWK4VA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2025
Tragically, he passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 70, after battling illness.
While the specific details about the illness have not been disclosed, it is reported that he underwent heart surgery in 2002 but fully recovered.
Joey Jones And His Wife, Janice, Were Together For Almost Five Decades!
Wrexham AFC legend Joey Jones married his girlfriend Janice in the summer of 1976, shortly after his breakthrough season at Liverpool.
While there are no public reports detailing exactly when they met or whether they had children, it is clear that the couple shared a strong bond for 49 years.
Throughout Joey’s long and successful football career, Janice remained a constant source of support, managing both family life and the demands of his professional journey.
Although she maintained a private life, her presence behind the scenes was evident, especially during difficult times.
She stood by Joey when he underwent heart surgery in 2002 and continued to support him through every stage of his life.
Her devotion remained until his final moments, as she was by his side when he passed away in July 2025 after an illness.
As Janice and the whole family mourn the loss privately, support and condolences have poured in from fans, friends, and the football community.
One of his well-wishers shared a heartfelt message saying,
R.I.P Joey Jones Loved by all at Wrexham, Wales and Liverpool.You were a legend.Sending my love to Janice and the family and of course your dearest friend Micky Thomas. Joey sent me his jersey years ago all the way to Australia.
Similarly, another fan expressed his sadness over Joey Jones’s passing, highlighting the huge impact he had on the clubs he played for, saying:
Devastated this morning, the term “Legend” is used far too loosely but for those of us who were Herbert’s in the early 80s, following Chelsea all over England know Joey Jones is exactly that, he was the rock that John Neals side was built on, the signing that turned certain division 3 candidates to piss the league promotion winners the following season. Sleep well Joey
Although Joey Jones’s life was sadly cut short, his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and the clubs he proudly represented.
To honor him, Wrexham AFC has announced plans to build a statue of Joey at the new Kop Plaza, so people will never forget what he meant to the club.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Joey Jones made his senior debut for Wrexham at age 17 in a Welsh Cup match against Chester City.
- He made his Liverpool debut on August 16, 1975.
