Dr. Omar J. Jones III

1947 - 2021

Dr. Omar J. Jones III, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 74 on November 25, 2021.

Dr. Jones was born on November 8, 1947, in Olney, Maryland to Omar J. Jones Jr. and Leonore G. Jones. His mother taught at Howard High School, and his father, Omar Jr., was the school principal and later the first County Executive of Howard County, Maryland. Known as "Doc" to his family from the earliest age and "OJ" to his friends and colleagues, Dr. Jones' professional life was hallmarked by a passion for dentistry and academia.

OJ grew up in Ellicott City and graduated from Howard High School in 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1969; his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University Of Maryland College Of Dental Surgery at Baltimore in 1973; and his Certificate in Endodontics from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine in 1978.

Dr. Jones served as a captain in the US Army Dental Corps at Fort Meade, Maryland and Fort Stewart, Georgia from 1973 to 1976. He worked in private practice in Columbia and Catonsville, Maryland starting in 1978. In 1989, "Doc" followed his family's legacy as educators and joined the faculty of the Department of Endodontics, University of Maryland at Baltimore. He served initially as an Associate Professor and later as a Dental School Assistant Professor and General Practice Manager. He culminated his time with the College as the Director of Undergraduate Endodontics from 2002 to 2006. Dr. Jones took great pride in the success of his students while in Dental School and later in their professional careers. He was always grateful for their recognition of him as an Outstanding Faculty Member in 1992 and for asking him to participate each year in their commencement events.

Dr. Jones was a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He was active in Omicron Kappa Upsilon, having served as President in 1998. Among his many accomplishments and accolades, OJ found the greatest satisfaction assisting countless dentists, their spouses, and their families through the Maryland State Well Being Committee. In 2006, Dr. Jones was recognized by the Maryland State Dental Association for his leadership of the Committee in which he "transformed this advocacy into a vital and significant role in the life of the dental community in Maryland." Dr. Mark A. Pitts, a member of the Committee, stated: "Dr. Jones is one of the most caring, giving, and considerate professional persons that I have ever known."

Throughout his life, OJ considered Maryland home. He remained an ardent fan of all University of Maryland sports and looked forward to seeing the Orioles return to the World Series …. soon. One of OJ's favorite quotes was from President John F. Kennedy: "We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came." OJ cherished his time on the water, whether the Potomac River or Ocean City. And, for those that loved him, their favorite memories will always be of OJ by the sea.

OJ is survived by his wife Martha Ann Jones, and his three children from a previous marriage: Major General Omar J. Jones IV, Ms. Sarah J. Palmer, and Mrs. Kathryn J. Stokley. OJ inspired his children to a lifetime of service to others. His son is a career Army officer and both of his daughters are educators. Together, Dr. and Mrs. Jones have eight grandchildren.

The family will host a visitation on Sunday, December 19th, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Slack Funeral Home, 3871 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City. Dr. Jones will be buried in a private ceremony next to his parents at St. John's Cemetery also in Ellicott City.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA) Dentist Well-Being Committee. Send checks to: MSDA, 8901 Herrmann Drive, Columbia, MD 21045. Note. Donations made to MSDA are not tax deductible. Please include a note on the memo line that it is in memory of Dr. Jones. Please see www.slackfuneralhome.com for online condolences and directions.