Remembering Lincoln Jones: A Legacy of Friendship
A tribute to Lincoln Jones, a friend, mentor and Abaco ambassador for decades. Lincoln touched the lives of so many Abaconians and visitors, and we hope you’ll share your memories to be included here.
In Memory of Lincoln Jones
Lincoln Jones was a national treasure in the Bahamas. A husband, a father, and a friend to so many. A true man of the sea, even at 78, it was not uncommon to see him motoring away from New Plymouth mid-morning, all by himself, on his way out to catch a few fish and enjoy the Abaco waters that he loved so deeply. It was a great source of pride to me that Lincoln even knew my name, much less called me his friend.
Willie Powers
The Perfect Day, to me, was a morning spearfishing with Lincoln and my family, with an afternoon picnic. “Couple hoggies down there,” he’d quietly proclaim as he pointed a well-worked finger toward a coral head hidden in the Spanish Cay grass. Over we’d go, Genevieve in the lead, and correct he’d be. We’d chase the fish all morning, running coral head to coral head. “Whatchu see?” “Nobody home?” “Any crawfish?” “Lane snappers? Any size to ’em” “Villie, this that spot where you and Marcus get that big rockfish?” “Any yellatail?”
You had to watch the boat when Lincoln was behind the wheel or you’d bang your head on the way up. He always kept it close when we were spearfishing, distinctly aware of the constant presence of sharks. Depite his best efforts, our family eventually earned the title of his only shark bite when my father-in-law, Steve Cutbirth, took a bite to the face and leg.
We had a thousand adventures. I am grateful for each one.
There’s so much I could say about Lincoln. It’s shocking to me that he’s gone. It’s shocking to me that we had the distinct honor of spending his last week with him, spearing, picnicking, and going to Cheeseburger in Paradise Fiddle Cay Event. It’s shocking to me that I got to be with him as he left this world, working alongside a medical team who gave him every single thing they could to save his life. True angels on Earth, tears streamed down their faces as we worked on him. Nurse Hudson, Nurse Rolle, Doctor Wakine, and the second doctor whose name I did not catch, you have my lifelong admiration for how hard you fought for our friend. Lincoln was so unbelievably cherished.
I held his hand, prayed with him, and blessed his body as I heard my brother Tim, always a rock when you need him, drive off in his golf cart to bring Lincoln’s wife Ruthie to the clinic so that Doctor Wakine could share the devastating news with his family.
I’ve always said that the ride on the ferry to GTC is my favorite boat ride of the year. Right now, it feels to me like the next one will be the saddest of my life, knowing our beautiful friend won’t be there on the other side. We will always return to Green Turtle Cay. Lincoln will always be on my mind and in my prayers. We send our love and gratitude to the entire Jones family for sharing Lincoln with us all these years.
Thank you, Lincoln!
“To my knowledge, Lincoln never sold a single piece of merch.
Denise Mccauley, Domino Dreams, GTC
No boat decals. No T-shirts. No hats. Not even a sticker advertising his legendary fishing adventures.
Based on the generations of loyal guests who followed him, he easily could have made a small fortune just selling souvenirs.
But Lincoln understood something many never do.
The experience was the souvenir.
The stories, the laughter, the friendships, the sunburns, the beach picnics, and the memories you carried home—that was his brand. His reputation traveled farther than any logo ever could. His word-of-mouth recommendation was the gold standard.
One piece of fried fish and potato at a time.”
Loved growing up with Lincoln!! He was like a Big Brother to me. Remember playing so many games likesoft ball, kick the can, marbles, spinning tops, hide & seek & many more. Remember building tree houses, cook outs in the woods, swinging from tree to tree on vines like Tarzan. Swimming, conching & fishing. So many good memories of spending time with Lincoln. Will sure miss seeing him & talking about those New York Yankees. God’s Blessings & Comfort to All of Lincoln Jones Family & Friends!!
Craig Russell, Green Turtle cay
It is said that The Bahamas is known as the playground of the rich.
Mr. Lincoln Jones ensured that The Bahamas is also known as the playground for the rich-at-heart.
He was a master fisherman, guide, story teller and chef.
On his artfully crafted fishing excursions, with private island lunch, the mantra was “eat what you catch”. Rain, shine, cloud cover or clear skies, Lincoln was sure to find schools of biting fish. Yellow tails, grunts and snappers seem to fancy his fishing line most.
He always knew the ocean’s sweet spots, and shared them enthusiastically with his guests, family and friends.
He told stories of the sea, and of days of old growing up in Abaco. His words were followed often with a chuckle, as he rehashed fond memories for fresh listening ears.
Once the fish were caught and the stories were told, Lincoln got down to business – cooking! He was a skilled chef, fileting the day’s catch and seasoning to perfection.
He was a truly a man of many talents, and he unselfishly shared his gifts with so many. His love of sea and service will remain steadfast in the those of us, rich-at-heart, because of him.
With sincere condolences,
Keisha, Keva and Kara Ingraham
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