Dr. James Laurence Jones, 91, died peacefully at home on April 4, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 10, 1930 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Albert and Mary Olive Jones who preceded him in death.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 34 years, Susan Jones, and is survived by his brother Jerry Jones, children Karen Beatty and husband Jim Beatty, Dr. Mark Jones and wife Cathy Jones, and Matthew Jones and husband Wesley English; stepchildren Scott Matthews and wife Melissa Matthews, Amy Matthews and husband Mark Duncan; his grandchildren Jessica Gauvin, Kathryn Hedden, Elizabeth Ryner, Amanda Jones, Tyler Jones, Olivia Strange, Nick Jones, Jack Duncan, Cade Duncan, Finley Matthews, and Orion Matthews; and by his great grandchildren Emily Hedden, Henry Hedden, and Stella Gauvin.
Larry will be best remembered for his distinguished career as a physician. After earning a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, he completed his residency in family practice at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. He proudly served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy from 1957 to 1959 on the USS Ajax.
After his Naval career, Larry ran a family medical practice in Ozark, Arkansas for eight years until 1967. Dr. Jones made house calls, conducted surgeries, and delivered babies for the rural community. This was followed by 35 years of dedicated service as a physician at the Health Center at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville until his retirement in January 2003. During this time, he also served as an Assistant Professor and an instructor at the University of Arkansas Medical Center.
Larry was devoted to his church community, serving as a Lay Leader and Chalice Bearer at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He especially enjoyed his time ministering to the residents of Butterfield Trail Village.
Larry and his wife Susan traveled extensively, and he loved snorkeling and underwater photography. In retirement, he loved his garden and yard work, and he took joy in creating habitat for the local birds. He had a passion for Egyptology and one of the highlights of his life was his travel to Egypt in 2006 with his son Matt. He had a lifelong interest in astronomy and could calculate celestial orbits with precision.
A service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 4:30 on Friday, April 8, 2022 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charities: St. Paul’s community outreach (https://www.stpaulsfay.org/give) or the Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch in Morrow, Arkansas (https://teenchallengeranch.com/donate/).
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Commander. We have the watch.
Albert and I thinking about you and your entire family. Praying you are able to spend time with the family this week remembering good times, and sharing many laughs along with the inevitable tears.
Love to the Jones Family.
Beverly Marquez
We enjoyed his friendship. My most enduring memory, however, was being treated by him for a Brown Recluse bite. He had created a treatment that worked perfectly. I was forever thankful to him for his time and concern.
Susan, his Brown Recluse bite remedy was legendary! He treated Mark for one also.Thank you for the memory!
Dr. Jones was my physician when I returned to the university to study social work in 1991. He was so attentive, so kind, so encouraging when I was an older student who had had no access to medical care for years. Such a wonderful and caring gentleman and professional. My condolences to all of his family.
Dr Jones was very kind and caring person. It didn’t matter if you were an employee or student, he would treat you. He also treated me for a Brown Recluse bite. My condolences to the Jones Family
It was hard to read about Larry passing. I knew something was wrong at your house because the little car belonging to Larry’s helper was no longer in the driveway. Both Bill and I cared deeply for Larry, and the past few years of illness on both their parts didn’t allow us the good times we had enjoyed with you both in the past. I love you, and you’re on my prayer list. Karen Stauffacher
As a University Health Center physician, Dr. Jones was devoted to the well being of University of Arkansas students. He made a major impact on the success and future of each patient because he cared and used his expertise to support them. His service in so many ways during his life is an inspiration to all. May peace be with all family and friends.
It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Jones at the U of A Health Center. We would both arrive to work early and if a student was already waiting to be seen Dr. Jones would say go ahead and bring them on back.
I worked with Dr. Jones for many years at the health center. He was very kind and cared deeply for his patients. I remember his love for his flower gardens, photography, and ocean life.
I am very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss Susan. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
The world has lost a great man. He was so caring with the students and a friend to all the employees at the Health Center. No moss gathered under this man’s feet. Always enjoyed visiting with him about flowers, seeking his advice. Rest In Peace Doc. I am planting a new Rose Bush in my yard in memory of Dr. Jones. He would like that. Condolences to Susan and family.