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H.p. Jones Obituary

Horace Perry Jones

Horace Perry Jones or to most who knew him, "H.P." passed from this community at 10:30 A.M. on March 19, 2013. He died in Monroe at his beloved home, "the Hideaway," where he had resided for 47 years. H.P. was born February 8, 1930 in High Point, North Carolina to his mother Blanche Perry Jones and his father Grover Jones. He was one of 4 boys. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 of his siblings. His surviving family includes his wife, Lucia Demma Jones; daughter Beth Jones Ricks and husband Dr. Barry Ricks; daughter Kathy Jones Johnson; grandchildren Thomas Johnson III, Perry Ricks, and Mary Lu Ricks, all of Monroe, LA.; and brother Dr. Michael Jones of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is his entire University of Louisiana at Monroe and community family; those countless individuals, students, and colleagues who had the privilege and benefit of his devotion and commitment to teaching, education, and especially his lust for living and laughing.

After high school, H.P. served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps where he made the Inchon landing in the Korean War and participated in probably the coldest campaign in American military history—the withdrawal of the Marines from the Chosin Reservoir on the North Korean/Manchurian border in the winter of 1950. H.P. was wounded twice and was finally ordered out of Korea by the authorities after he had turned down several rotation drafts to come home. "I thought we were supposed to stay over there till we won," Jones said. H.P. was awarded 2 purple hearts for his service and remained a proud and loyal Marine until his passing.

Following military service, H.P. attended Mississippi College because he wanted to play football. He knew they mainly trained Baptist preachers and figured that "a little squirt like me would get to play"…and he did. He was elected Co-Captain of the football team and was voted "Most Outstanding Male Athlete" for Mississippi College his Senior year. He next coached and taught in various high schools in both the U.S. and Europe.

In 1960, he became Head Coach and Athletic Director at the American School in London, England. Leaving London in 1961 with a pack on his back, he hitchhiked East around the entire world—a journey that lasted 2 and ½ years. Upon his return from his travels, Jones received a MA in History from Appalachian State University and a Ph.D. in History from Ole Miss.

In 1965, H.P. accepted a position as Assistant Professor of History at ULM, and he and his wife Lucia moved to Monroe, La. He would become known for his infamous lectures, stunts, and humor which would deeply affect tens of thousands of students for almost 5 decades. H.P. was widely published in both history and literature, and in 1972, he was selected as "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" at ULM. In 1978, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Louisiana Society, named Jones the "Most Outstanding College History Teacher in Louisiana."

During the course of his tenure, H.P. was honored several times by various groups and was often sought-out to deliver speeches and talks. But, he was most humbled and proud of 2 honors—the Omicron Delta Kappa students' vote of "Favorite Professor" (which he received every year that he taught) and the invitation to be the commencement speaker for the ULM Graduating Class of Summer 2003. H.P. was a dedicated, passionate supporter of ULM and a fixture both in and out of the classroom. He was a student advocate and attended tailgate parties, poetry readings, and other campus events that promoted ULM spirit and pride. It was a campus joke that his unofficial office was a corner table in the SUB, and both students and colleagues knew to look for the "yellow bug." If it was parked outside Stubbs Hall, H.P. was in the vicinity. He was often heard to say, "My blood is ULM positive."

As passionate as H.P. was about serving his country and his institution, he was as dedicated to his family. He was a loving, supportive husband and father to his wife and daughters who cherish his steadfast humor, strength, and loyalty that made growing together as a family pure joy.

Much appreciation to all those who cared for and visited H.P. during the final weeks of his life. These were very special people to H.P. as they surrounded and supported him. In addition, the family is grateful to Dr. Keith White for his invaluable, personal devotion to H.P.'s care, healing, and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Dr. H.P. Jones History Scholarship. Please contact the ULM Foundation for information.

A memorial service will be held celebrating H.P.'s life at 5:00 PM Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Parkview Baptist Church, 1001 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe. Following the memorial service for H.P., the family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at Parkview Baptist Church. Online condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

Monroe, LA

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Star on Mar. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for H.p. Jones

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Gene Chaney

July 5, 2025

I took history from H.P. In 1977. Most enjoyable experience I had at Northeast. I always wanted to go back and let him know how much he and his class meant to me. I never did and I regret it. Rest in peace.

Terry Grayson

March 17, 2021

He was my teacher first, the best I ever experienced. He later became one of my best friends. I think of him often and miss that great laugh and perpetual smile. I was honored to become one of “the troops”. Love you Perry.
R I P

Chris Coon

March 28, 2013

I was fortunate to spend time with Dr. Jones away from the classroom as well as having him as teacher during my college career at NLU/ULM. He was the most fascinating and genuine person I've ever known. His daughters and wife absolutely adored him, finding great solace in his unique and immensely positive attitude toward life. It seemed every minute I spent in his company was an adventure. He taught me how to hammer bent nails straight to be used again, and he recycled long before it was vogue to do so. Many times, he borrowed me to make "material" runs around the city, seeking scraps of wood and metal to finish various projects around the "Hideaway". He was the best teacher I've ever had, is a role model for living life passionately, and was a role model as a father and husband. I only wish I had fully appreciated the short time I spent in his and his family's presence - now that I'm older and wiser I realize exactly what a treasure he was to his community and our slice of the world. He was truly one-of-a-kind!

Terry Grayson

March 27, 2013

Perry Jones was the best teacher I ever had and became one of my dearest friends. I love him. After completing World History 101, I approached Dr Jones in the SUB one day and said, "Dr Jones, I am old enough now to realize an opportunity when I see one. I could never forgive myself if I didn't try to become your friend." He looked me straight in the eyes and let out that famous sigh with a huge grin and said Ah, Terry my boy, have a seat and join the troops! Perry, it was an honor to be one of the "troops". RIP

Theresa Heath Whistine

March 26, 2013

Never enjoyed History until I experienced Dr. Jones' American History class at ULM in the early 80's. I am a teacher today and have referred to Dr. Jones, as an example of a great teacher, many times. He had a way of making the subject come to life.

Jerry Compton

March 25, 2013

Coach Jones taught me how to shoot a left-handed lay up when I was in the 7th grade and took the team to see Mississippi College and Delta State play basketball in Clinton, Ms. We when to the Krystal in downtown Jackson prior to the game. I remember him purchasing my burger and coke. He was a great teacher and a better man. God bless Perry Jones.

March 25, 2013

Coach Jones taught me how to shoot a left-handed lay up when I was in the 7th grade. He took a group of 7th grade boys to see Mississippi College and Delta State play basketball. I vividly recall that he bought me a Krystal burger in do

Kathy King

March 25, 2013

Dr. Jones was the best teacher I ever had!!! I hope he still gets to travel in his next life. No one could ever replace him. R.I.P. Doc.

Dr William G Covington Jr

March 25, 2013

I told my students at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania that Dr. Jones was a role model for me. I never had him in class when I was a student at ULM, but I was well aware of his significantly positive influence on the University. I visited with him over the years at various functions at my alma mater when I was back in Louisiana. He is a true ULM legend.

Christina Sanford Hamilton

March 24, 2013

When I was signing up for my classes freshman year, I asked a coworker who should I take history from. Rusty said"oh H P Jones, his classes are fun and easy." Well his classes were fun,but not easy but you learned so much more than 'textbook' from Jones. He inspired people. Thank you for you service to our country and your knowledge you shared with us at NLU.

Kevin Phillips

March 24, 2013

God bless you, Dr. Jones, and your family. May they be comforted by the love and support of all your friends and former students. I will always remember your often self-deprecating sense of humor, your love of History, and the bits of wisdom you imparted to us, your students. I wish I could remember more of them after the passage of time but will cherish the ones I can remember. Requiescas in pace, amice.

Forest Mosley

March 24, 2013

I will miss the poetry reading each March with you.

Jerry Hines

March 24, 2013

We have lost a true AMERICAN great! Many wonderful hours were spent in a H.P. Jones history class. He was much more than just a professor to his students. We will miss you...May the Lord be with the family during this trying time.

John Borden

March 23, 2013

Almost 40 years have passed since I was a student but I still recall many of Dr. Jones' colorful lectures as I travel around the world. He was a very unique and very special human being.

Chris Rightsell

March 23, 2013

RIP HP Jones! Wish the world had many many more people like you!

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