Michael D. Jones
Phoenix - Retired Superior Court Judge Michael D. Jones passed away December 31, 2017, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Michael is survived by Melody, his wife of 39 years, his daughter Hillary, his father David, and his sister Kim.
Michael was born April 20, 1952, in Decatur, Illinois. His family moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1956. Michael attended the University of Arizona, where he earned his bachelor's degree in History. He attended the University of Arizona College of Law, and was admitted to practice law in 1977.
Michael had a long and distinguished legal career. He worked for the Tucson City Prosecutor, the Arizona Attorney General, and the Maricopa County Attorney from 1977 to 1988, when he was appointed Commissioner of the Maricopa County Superior Court. He was appointed to the Superior Court in 1994.
In 2012, Michael retired from the bench and began teaching full time at Arizona Summit Law School. Michael was an excellent teacher who was held in high regard by his students, his faculty colleagues, and school administrators. He launched and supervised Summit's International Journal of Therapeutic Jurisprudence. He was awarded the prestigious Bruce Winick Award by the International Academy of Law and Mental Health for his work in the field of Therapeutic Jurisprudence. More recently, the International Society for Therapeutic Jurisprudence created the Peggy Hora / Michael Jones Distinguished Therapeutic Jurisprudence Judging Award.
Michael was an outgoing, creative, and inspirational lawyer, judge, and teacher. He is greatly missed by his family, his many friends, and his professional colleagues. There will be a private burial on January 13, 2017. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Hospice of the Valley (Sherman Home), located at 5801 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix AZ 85054.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Judge Jones, a kind and gentle heart. I took his course Therapeutic Jurisprudence and it inspired me to write a somewhat controversial AWR during a very contentious time in society. He will forever be in my heart as he announced my name with vigor and confidence at law school graduation. My prayers and condolences to his family. He will truly be missed.
Aaliyah Najieb
April 12, 2018
It was a blessing to be a student of Judge Jones because his teachings were invaluable and he was a professor who had an open door policy, so as a student I would stop at his office to seek advice or vent about an issue I had in my life and needed guidance. Judge Jones's teachings and guidance will always be in my heart and a roadmap to follow in practicing law or on the bench.
Kalin Myers
February 23, 2018
It was my honor to have known and worked with Judge Jones. Ever a gentle person, passionate about teaching and educating, a great listener, and open to all. I used to speak with him about his desire to teach law. I was so glad he got the opportunity to do so. My deepest condolences and prayers are with his family.
George Schade
January 17, 2018
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one, Michael Jones. God has called him home to take on new adventures. We will miss him.
Joanna Grantham
January 15, 2018
We'll all miss you!
GOD'S GARDEN
God looked around His garden,
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew that you were in pain,
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, Peace be thine.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
Florence Neese
January 12, 2018
What a sad loss for all of us who knew Mike. The years he and I worked together marshaling CLE courses for the Maricopa County Bar were challenging because we pushed each other to no compromises. We believed our role was to provide excellence for the participants, but Mike was a motivator at heart, especially for me to always be mindful that excellence was our essential goal. He loved to teach and shared himself so unselfishly with his students and his profession. My only sadness in all those judicial years was that he never permitted me to try a case before him because he was so zealous of appearances, and felt we were too close for him to be objective. As always, he was absolutely correct. Even those of our profession who never met Mike have lost a pillar of integrity, a man of gentle strength and a fine, fine gentleman. Always, always, his favorite song was the Melody. Peace and joy for the memories.
Joel Erik Thompson
January 11, 2018
May the many memories Judge Jones helped create find root in your heart and bring special recollection to your mind as you both mourn and celebrate his wonderful life... and may God bless you as you deal with his passing.
Bernald Porter
January 11, 2018
My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4,,,
PHOENIX,ARIZONA
Natalie S.
January 11, 2018
One of the kindest and most patient, deferential people I have ever met. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Steven Miller
January 10, 2018
Thank you for sharing him with all his students & friends. I had the honor of being at your home during presentations & celebrations. He is greatly missed. May you be blessed with his loving memories.
KK Hewes
January 10, 2018
He inspired me by saying I deserve to be in law school. I was honored when he said I could be his TA next semester. I will sorely miss him and all the knowledge he would have provided. RIP
Ryan Lind
January 10, 2018
Professor Jones was a wonderful man. He had a caring heart and a love for the law. My deepest sympathies for his family and loved ones at this time. He will be missed greatly.
January 10, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 8, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jones loving family. May Gods loving kindness bring comfort and strength to you at this very difficult time and help you heal your broken hearts. Take comfort in the words in the book of John 6:40; Thru His word HE gives us the hope of seeing our loved one again.
Rest in peace. John 3:16
Julia
January 8, 2018
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