Robert K. Jones

Robert K. Jones Born: Oxford, OH � August 29, 1931 Died: Rio Rancho, NM � January 15, 2013 Robert K. Jones passed away peacefully on January 15, 2013. Robert, the son of Willis Jones and Clara May (Polly) Jones, was born and grew up in the Oxford, OH. He attended the McGuffey School, in Oxford. His father, Willis, was a respected writer and college educator who took the family around the country and the world during his teaching sabbaticals. On one of these trips, the family went to Albuquerque, NM. Robert claims that it was during this trip that he contracted Bulbar Polio. He was in an iron lung for several months, but was fortunate to be in the care of Dr. Albert Sabin, developer of the oral polio vaccine. He recovered from the Polio, but suffered from after-effects his whole life. Robert graduated Pre-Med from Miami University in 1953. He then attended University of Cincinnati College of Medicine from 1953 to 1957. He did an internship at Christ Hospital and a two-year Pathology Residency at Cincinnati General Hospital. He moved his family to Boston, MA to complete his last two-years of Pathology Residency. While in Boston, Robert also had teaching appointments to Boston University, Tufts University, and Harvard College medical schools. Robert spent two years in the Air Force after completing this residency. He was a researcher stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, in Albuquerque, NM. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Robert decided that he had found his home in Albuquerque and went to work for the Lovelace Foundation as a research pathologist engaged in the study of respiratory diseases. He also taught part-time at the University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine. He spent 30-years at the Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute. He eventually became Associate Director and Vice President. His passion for learning stayed with him as he received a Master�s in Business Administration, while working full-time and raising a family. He retired in October 1995 having produced over 100 scientific publications. Robert found comfort in his time spent in the outdoors and travelling. He combined those interests by travelling around the country and the world going to nature preserves and refuges, including: Ohio, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, the Galapagos Islands, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, China, and Mexico. He was a volunteer and Friend at the Rio Grande Nature Center and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Robert is fondly remembered by his family. We saw him as an example of what it means to be a caring husband. Robert was married to Audrey Jones (nee Palmer) for 60-years. Robert and Audrey met in Oxford when he was attending Miami and she was attending Western College for Women. They were married after his graduation in 1953. She shared his interests in nature and education. We saw him as an example of what it means to be a loving father. Robert and Audrey raised three children: Debbie Jones Smith, Evan Jones, and Greg Jones. We saw him as an example of what it means to be a doting grandfather. Robert and Audrey have eight grandchildren: Jenny Smith Ploss, Chris Smith, Eric Jones, Forrest Jones, Trevor Jones, Maggie Jones, Zach Jones, and Fiona May Jones. We even saw him as an example of what it means to be a great-grandfather. Robert and Audrey have one great-grandchild: Linus Ploss. Most importantly, we saw him as an example of what it means to be a man of honor, courage, and integrity. He met everything in life the same way. He never shrank from a challenge. He treated everyone around him with respect. He accepted responsibility for everything that he did and expected no less from those around him. He continued to show his courage even in the dignity with which he faced his ending. There was never a hint of self-pity in any part of his life. Robert, dad, grandpa, grand-daddy, you left huge shoes to fill. We will all do our best to live up to the high standards and expectations that you had for us. You may be gone from our lives, but your impact will live on for generations. Robert K. Jones, you have earned your rest. Robert K. Jones � gone, but never, ever forgotten. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Gentiva Hospice Foundation. They can be contacted at www.gentivahospicefoundation.org. Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192