November 06, 2012
Message from Dean Michael A. Simons
The entire St. John’s University community mourns the passing of
our colleague and dear friend, Judge Theodore T. Jones, Jr.
A 1972 graduate of the Law School and 2007 honorary degree
recipient, Judge Jones was a devoted and valued member of the St.
John’s family, serving on the University’s Board of Trustees and on
the Law School’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. Many in our
community were privileged to call him a dear friend and he will be
remembered as a lawyer and judge of intense intellect, impeccable
integrity, and deep compassion.
Judge Jones was elected to the New York State Supreme Court in
1990 and was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2007. As a
Brooklyn native, a former criminal defense lawyer, and the only
African-American judge on the New York Court of Appeals, Judge
Jones understood how the law impacted the lives of ordinary people
– and it was that understanding that animated his public service.
He was Chair of the Court of Appeals’ Diversity Committee and
co-Chair of the Court’s Wrongful Convictions Task Force. He proudly
served our country on active duty with the United States Army in
Vietnam, attaining the rank of Captain. He was to be the honoree at
the Law School’s annual Armed Forces Alumni and Student Reception
tomorrow evening.
St. John’s, the Court of Appeals, and the people of New York
State have lost a dedicated public servant and a great human being.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Jones’ wife, Joan, and
their entire family during this time of sorrow.
Michael A. Simons
Dean and John V. Brennan Professor of Law & Ethics
St. John's University School of Law
Wake and Funeral Information
Wake:
Thursday, Nov. 15
2-8 p.m.
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
212 Tompkins Avenue
Brooklyn 11216
(718) 388-3900
Time has been scheduled at 6:30 p.m. for friends and colleagues
of Judge Jones to deliver remarks/eulogize him should they wish to
do so.
Funeral:
November 16
10 a.m.
Same location as above
Judge Theodore T. Jones, Jr. Memorial Fund
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Judge Theodore
Jones, Jr. Memorial Fund established at St. John’s School of Law.
Please give online or
you can send your contribution to:
The Judge Theodore Jones, Jr. Memorial Fund
St. John’s School of Law
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
More Information
For more information, contact Claire C. McKeever, Associate Dean of
Alumni Relations, at mckeevec@stjohns.edu or
(718) 990-6028.