JESS WILLARD JONES Clemson
Jess Willard Jones, 92, died on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at Anderson Area Medical Center. He was a son of the late Guy William and Gertrude Smith Jones, and he was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Dr. Jones was predeceased by his wife, Inez Childers Jones.
After attending public schools in Greenville County, he received his B.S. Degree from Clemson College and his M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees from Cornell University. Dr. Jones was a member of the following honorary and professional fraternities: Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Zeta, Sigma Xi, and Gamma Sigma Delta. He was a member and former deacon of the First Baptist Church of Clemson and a veteran of World War II.
Dr. Jones was employed by Clemson University for 38 years. Initially, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses, primarily in the Discipline of General Genetics. Subsequently, he was appointed Director of Resident Instruction in the College of Agriculture. Dr. Jones was active in the National Association of State University and Land-Grant Colleges of which Clemson University is a member. He was elected President of the National Resident Instruction Section of Agriculture. He was also elected to the Senate of the National Association. He was a member of the Rotary Club and of the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Rural Rehabilitation Corporation. At Clemson, he was a member of the Richard W. Simpson Society, the Benjamin Ryan Tillman Society, and the Benefactors of 1889. He established the Jess W. Jones Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Agriculture. Dr. Jones retired from Clemson University as Associate Dean and Director of Resident Instruction in the College of Agriculture.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 3:00pm at Cemetery hill with the Reverend G. Todd Wilson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clemson First Baptist Church, 397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, who is assisting the family with arrangements.