ITHACA, N.Y. - Paul Raymond Jones was born on July 19, 1930 in Chicago to David Henry and Una Goodrich Jones. He passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019 after a period of declining health.

He grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois and spent several happy summers working on his brother's ranch in South Dakota. Paul received his BA from Albion College, his PhD from the University of Illinois, and went on to a career as Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of New Hampshire from 1956-1995. Four different sabbaticals found him in Germany: at the Max Planck Institute in Göttingen (1964), at the University of Freiburg (1973), and twice at the Deutsches Museum in Munich (1982 & 1991). He was a two-time recipient of Fulbright fellowships and won UNH's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1982. Paul served as the editor of the Bulletin for the History of Chemistry from 1995-2010.

Though an accomplished researcher, Paul's true gift was teaching. Generations of students and colleagues have commented on his ability to connect and give his full attention to their struggles and their joys. Even in very large lecture classes, he knew all his students by name and always made himself available.

Paul married Meredyth Manns in 1958 and together they savored 60 years: singing together, entertaining friends, raising their family in Durham, New Hampshire, and traveling extensively in Europe. Paul always wanted to return to the Midwest, so after retirement they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they relished superb musical performances, friends, and new experiences for another 18 years until moving closer to family in Ithaca, N.Y., in 2013.

When not pondering the double helix or the history of chemistry, Paul could be found tending his gardens, (especially his peonies and nasturtiums), reading voraciously, (especially the New York Times), savoring a strong cup of coffee, going to art museums, and upholding the integrity of the Oxford comma. His civility and thoughtfulness were legendary.

More than anything, Paul loved his family, and lived for updates on everything they were doing. In addition to his wife, he leaves his son Paul (Claire) in Aspen, Colorado; his daughter Amy Robinson (Brad) in Brentwood, New Hampshire; his daughter Sarah Cummings (Craig) in Ithaca, New York; grandchildren Naomi (Stephen), Obadiah (Orian), Talitha, Hannah (Kai), Silas (Rae), Owen and Anna, and great-grandchild, Eva. He also leaves several nephews and nieces.

SERVICES: A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, New York (315 North Cayuga Street).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund in Paul's name to support undergraduate students majoring in chemistry at UNH. Checks should be made out to the University of New Hampshire Foundation, with "in memory of Dr. Jones" written in the memo line and sent to: UNH Foundation, 9 Edgewood Rd., Durham NH 03824. All donations are tax-deductible.

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

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Jan. 9 to Jan. 12, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Jones

Sponsored by Bangs Funeral Home - Ithaca.

17 Entries

Anthony and Joyce Kales

March 10, 2021

Sincere condolences and fond memories of our Laurel Gardens neighbot.

Joel

March 9, 2021

I knew Paul for several years in the 60’s and 70’s, but not as a student! I did have several friends who studied with him, and word was that he was a very demanding teacher. He was also brilliant. One of my friends said that Paul only made one mistake in a lecture, and that he caught immediately! I knew him as a musician at The Durham Community Church where his wife conducted a splendid choir. Paul was the mainstay of the tenor section. He had a very pleasant voice, and he was an excellent sight-reader, as well. For a few years, he and I stood in the back row of the old Choir Loft. The last year I was at The Durham Community Church, I filled in as Choir Director, and when faced with Paul’s sabbatical in Germany, I had to scramble to bolster the tenor section in his absence!

I had the pleasure being entertained at his beautiful home a couple of times. I cannot imagine a more gracious man. He will be sorely missed!

Ernie Linek

February 22, 2019

Dr. Jones was one of the best teachers we had in the Chemistry Department at UNH. As my mentor - he was tough, but always there to help. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Anthony Jacobine

February 21, 2019

A life well lived and beautiful eulogy for a truly remarkable human being, family man, and teacher! I had the pleasure of knowing Professor Jones since graduate school in 1972. Along with my cohorts in the Chemistry Department, we were at turns inspired, charmed, challenged, and made better scientists and people by knowing him. He will not be forgotten by us. May he rest in peace.

jackie brewer

January 24, 2019

I have such happy memories of Paul stopping to visit on his walk and in seeing him at the pool. The flower urns were always so carefully tended My condolences to the entire family. Jackie Brewer

Anthon and Joyce Kales

January 23, 2019

our sympathy to the Jones family. We affectionately remember Paul tending the flowers around the Laurel Gardens pool. He was a cordial neighbor and we missed Paul and Meredith when they moved away. Sincerely, Anthony and Joyce Kales

January 22, 2019

Amy, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My condolences to you.

Sherry Elwell

January 22, 2019

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

January 17, 2019

So sorry for your loss. When someone you love becomes a memory the memory become a treasure so treasure the memory.
Matt 5:4,5

BC~
California

Diane Munroe Fogarty

January 10, 2019

Paul and family, My sincerest sympathies to you all on the loss of your Dad. May all your great memories give you comfort.

Sheila Ossit

January 9, 2019

So very sorry for your loss, Sarah, Craig, Owen and Anna---Such a sweet man who adored his wife and his family. I loved seeing them together at CCO events and concerts. He always had a kind smile and a twinkle in his eye. Sending our thoughts and prayers and love...
-The Ossits (Kevin, Sheila, Zack, Nathan and Maggie)

Jeff Seeman

January 9, 2019

Paul and I shared a mutual interest and professional activities in the history of chemistry. He served as Editor in Chief of our history of chemistry journal, the Bulletin for the History of Chemistry. Paul was kind, engaging, encouraging, with a warm smile. When he took over the editorship of the journal, he saved the it from near collapse and propelled it to the exceptional journal it has remained. I also always admired his style of dress and demeanor. We have missed seeing Paul these last few years as he cared for his wife. This is a sad moment, yet knowing and working with Paul remains a very happy memory. Furthermore, there are many tangible records as evidence of his substantial contributions to his second well-chosen academic field.

Bill Cote

January 9, 2019

Of the many fine professors I had at UNH, none was more demanding than Paul. With compassion and understanding, he pushed me to excel. I still live in Durham and we became acquaintances and would have occasional lively discussions. Though I took Orgo with him in 1973, he always remembered my name. A true teacher.

January 8, 2019

What a lovely tribute to an even lovelier man. I will miss him, but will cherish the memories of the time I spent with your family during our childhood. I had no idea he was such a fan of the Oxford comma--I knew there was something special about him! With love, Jennifer & the Campbell Family (Mike, Emma, & Lucy).

January 7, 2019

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76

D B

January 4, 2019

To the Jones family, may prayers strengthen and cherished memories bring comfort to the family. May the God of all comfort sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2.

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