George Julius “Doc” Jones

George Julius “Doc” Jones, born August 27, 1919 with congenital deformities (which included club feet, having only one hand, and that with just a thumb and two fingers), medical professionals tried to prepare his mother for what they called the inevitable. This severely crippled child would not live more than five years, and if by some miracle he should make it past five years of age, he would be “feeble-minded”. He proved them all wrong. At his last birthday celebration, he happily noted that he had enjoyed 85 more years than those promised by medical science. And as far as being feeble-minded, not on your life. Having matriculated at the AM&N College, now known as the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, he graduated with honors earning a degree in mathematics. He continued his education, earning a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago, and completing further study at the University of Minnesota, Washington University, and the University of Missouri.

During his 14 years on the campus of the AM&N College, George J. Jones etched a permanent place in the history of AM&N/UAPB. Mr. Jones participated in debate as a student. He went on to serve as a faculty member, principal of J. C. Corbin Laboratory High School, and coach of the College Debate Team. It was his involvement with the College Debate Society where Mr. Jones left his indelible imprint in AM&N College.

For fifty years, George J. Jones’ burning interest was to develop in students the ability to speak coherently and clearly, to organize and present well-prepared logical discourse, and to master verbal communication at high levels of proficiency. This life-characterizing goal has underscored all his work.

Doc Jones, as he is fondly known, also served as an educator at several schools within the St Louis Public Schools system; Hadley Tech Veterans Program, Sumner High School, Bates Elementary School, Simmons Elementary School, and later at Stevens Middle School where he served as a Chapter One Math Teacher. He was a master mathematician. For more than 50 years he served the public as proprietor of the Jones Insurance Agency.

Some of his honors include memberships in Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, The Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and The Mathematics Club of Greater St Louis. He’s listed in Who’s Who in Colored America, Who’s Who is Education, and Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America.

In September 2002, The Department of Development and University Relations at UAPB established “The George J. Jones Endowment Fund for Public Policy Debates”. Two years ago, the George “Doc” Jones Forensic Debate Society was formed and “Coach”, as they called him, found himself once again entrenched in his most enjoyable pastime: encouraging excellence.

On June 7, 2010, George J. “Doc” Jones hung up his earthly mantle and went home to be with his heavenly Father. He will be deeply missed by his siblings: Shirley Henson, Grace Archer, Erslyn Chatman, Clarice Thorpe, Juanita Jefferson; his children: George Julius Jones, Jr., Etheldra Jones-Hollis, Gloria Simmons; his grandchildren: Michael Reid, Reginald Guynn, Kaye Brinson, Domiabra Jones, Marc Reid, Etheldra Hardin, Donny Hardin, George Julius Jones III, Carmen Hart, Etheldra Edwards, Jabari Jones, Michael McKinney; his many great grandchildren (the pride of his life); his specially chosen children; his nieces, nephews, cousins, students, colleagues, clients, and friends– particularly his dear and devoted friend Ella Hayes.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for June 26, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Greater Mount Carmel M. B. Church.