Birth date: Feb 14, 1932 Death date: Apr 6, 2025
Beloved John Walker Jones, M.D., fondly known throughout his life as Jack, died peacefully at home after a brief illness on Sunday morning, April 6, 2025, blessed and sung into a loving eternity by family. Jack was born in Lynchb Read Obituary
Dear Margaret and family, So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. His obituary and life story impacted so many lives. May his love and memories live on. Peace, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Jue, Michigan Conference, The United Methodist Church.
Dear Margaret,
I read that Jack died. I remember both of you fondly from the years we overlapped at University UMC. My love goes out to you and your family.
Barbara Smith Jang
Dear Margaret and family,
I am so sorry for your loss but take comfort in knowing of your loving care. Jack lived an incredibly rich life full of wonder, achievement, and contributions on so many fronts for the betterment of his global community. Having known you all for nearly 50 years, there are so many fond memories - and so much for which to be Grateful. His gentle and comforting demeanor endeared him to all; his insightful direction steered so many in training to model his compassionate care; but most of all, to me, he was the epitome of integrity and authenticity in all of his actions, and a true Renaissance man. He could not have given so much without the boundless support from you as his partner in Life - you are the Wind beneath his Wings, and he for yours. Well-done Good and Faithful Servant, may he rest in Peace.
With sincere condolences,
Jeanne M. Kapenga M.D.
As a medical student in 1987- I came across an Apple-Mac based computer program that simulated heart sounds/heart murmurs. The director of the clinical training at MSU thought it was interesting-but it had to "pass" Dr. Jones's approval. He spent 2–3 hours with that program and described it to me as "adequate"-and with his blessing it became part of the MSU-College of human medicine curriculum.
As a third-year student I was on a geriatrics rotation and we are at a nursing home. Nurses came to him in somewhat of a panic-there was a patient that needed a blood draw and they were unable to find a vein". So Jack-(Dr. Jones) said he would do what he could.
We got to the bedside, and Jack used "all sorts of old fashioned [but medically sound] tricks" so that the patient's veins in his arm "popped out" and were easy to reach for a blood draw. Then the nurse handed him needle and "Vacutainer" and the tubes. He looked at that nurse and said-"I have never used this equipment. I have always drawn blood with us simple syringe."
With a little bit of "trepidation" I told Dr. Jones that I had done 100s of blood draws before I was in medical school that I could assist him.
Without hesitation-he chose to trust a third-year medical student.
Together-we did the blood draw. He inserted the needle into the vein, and I put in and swapped out the 5 or 6 tubes that were needed.
We finish the blood draw, and as we were walking up the hall-he told me:
"I haven't done a blood draw in 30 years!"
That one moment helped me see into the heart and soul of a 'doc' who cared deeply for patients, and who did NOT have an ego that got in the way of accepting help 'from a lowly 3rd yr medical student'.
Over the years and decades- I had the honor and privilage of working with him as a 'community family practice doc'...
He was a great doc, and a great mentor!
I worked with Dr. Jones at St Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, MI.He was a wonderful physician and an even better human. He was always in a good mood, and I looked forward to when he was rounding on his paitients. He was a true gem, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and work with him.
Jack and Margaret were my teachers in Medical School at CHM starting in 1973. They also knew my mother, Hattie Kay Steensma, who had been the secretary, then librarian, for the Office of Medical Education, Research, and Development from its founding as a department. Jack was always smiling, and was always warm to my parents whenever they encountered each other in town or at CHM events.
I treasured knowing him, and wish Margaret and her family condolences and blessings. He and Margaret are part of the history of CHM, and will be remembered as some of the best of us.
Kristine Steensma, MD, CHM '77
What can I say about Jack? He was one of the kindest, soft spoken gentlemen I’ve ever known. We first met many years ago (alike around 30 years) at the Parkwood YMCA in an early morning - 6am - class. His ‘spot’ was always on the left hand side of the back row. No one there knew he was a well respected physician and academic … he was simply that rather quiet, super nice guy in the back row. It took me a while to realize he was also a member of my church as we sat in different spots.
When I got to know Margaret better through a church book group, I also got to know Jack better. He was always quiet, always kind, and never self promoting. If you paid attention and were open to learning, he had interesting stories to share.
In more recent years, I offered to help the Jones’ pack some of their books and belongings in their East Lansing home for shipment to Florida. Have to admit I ended up visiting and chatting with Jack as much as helping him pack. He loved to share family history and I enjoyed hearing it. I will miss his soft Virginia accent.
His health was failing, but I never heard him complain. Last Valentine’s Day I called his cell phone to wish him a happy birthday. Jack answered and we chatted a little, then he casually mentioned that he was actually in the hospital! Talk about sanguine!
I was so blessed to have met Jack and he will always be in my heart, especially on Valentine’s Day.
So saddened to hear of the passing of one of my much-loved mentors. Jack and Margaret were always so kind to me whenever I encountered them, and,
particularly during medical school at MSU, when I spent a summer with Jack in a American Heart Association-funded student fellowship in cardiology. They also supported me during a health crisis during my time in medical school, for which I will be forever grateful. I am sure that Jack's spirit is now mentoring new students in the next phase of his soul's journey.
Blessings,
George E Drake MD FAAFP
Jack
So happy to have known you. A good friend and great listener. Appreciated your ability to give such good advice with few words. Got the chance to travel to Lithuania on a medical mission trip with you and still remember the clinics we traveled to there.
Had wonderful meals at your place and enjoyed the time talking with you in East Lansing.
Time spent with you and Margaret was a blessing. Thanks for making the world a better place, with you patience and kindness and wisdom. Again I am happy and lucky to have known you.
