Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael D. Jones

1952 - 2017

Michael D. Jones obituary, 1952-2017, Phoenix, AZ

BORN

1952

DIED

2017

Michael Jones Obituary

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.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Jones

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Jones's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Jones

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Jones's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more