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George Jones Obituary

CHARLESTON - George Hilton Jones III, retired history professor, of Charleston, died Thursday, January 24, 2008, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, in Mattoon, after a series of strokes last year. He began teaching at Eastern in 1966 and retired in 1989. He was 84. He had a distinguished career as a student, historian, and writer. His degrees were B.A. (Louisiana State University) and D.Phil. (Oxford University). Before coming to Eastern, he held teaching posts at Indiana University, Texas Tech, and Kansas State, among others. His scholarly publications included four books and a number of articles written for U.S. and foreign journals. His other honors included a Rhodes Scholarship and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by an older brother, Philip K. Jones of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Graveside services and burial will take place on Friday February 1, at Roselawn Cemetery in Baton Rouge, LA. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Journal Gazette & Times-Courier on Jan. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Robert Cerza

November 4, 2023

I had the privilege to be selected to participate inn several tutorials with Dr. Jones that focused on the Tudor-Stewart period of English history. Dr. Jones made the period we were studying come alive. Dr. Jones demanded a great deal from his students, but the rewards front the hard work made ones efforts well worth it. Dr. Jones was an amazing character who enriched my life. Ps..One thing I will never forget is that George carried his trusty umbrella everywhere he went..

Paul Beals

February 11, 2008

George Hilton Jones was a friend of mine for more than 30 years. Since his retirement from EIU, we have traveled, dined and spent many a pleasant evening together. George was probably the most intelligent person I ever met. I will miss his company, wit, generosity, encouragement, but mostly his friendship. Farewell, good friend.

Stewart Easton

February 10, 2008

George was one of my oldest friends. I met him first in 1967 when he was doing research in London. He used at that time to come to England each summer, and we would always meet for dinner and drinks. Later, we also met in Charleston, at a memorable party he gave.

I always looked forward to his letters (though sometimes I needed a magnifying glass!) I shall miss his dry wit and his generosity of spirit.

Gloria Carrig & Dick Reichard

February 9, 2008

George was important to us for many reasons, the most memorable of which was his and Bob Clarke's bringing Dick to Chicago where Dick and Gloria met. He shared many a Thanksgiving with our family. We miss him.

Nancy Reed

February 6, 2008

George was a dear a valued friend of our family. Few persons would open their home for an outdoor wedding reception for friends! So many memories, all fun, of places visited, meals & recipes shared, planter's punch, parties & games. He will be missed and remembered always. The Reed Family

R. Dave Blagg

February 6, 2008

George was always very kind & generous towards me. I moved into his house on July 1st 1987 when I literally had nowhere else to go. He tolerated many of my inappropriate behaviors for many years & was instrumental in my ongoing recovery process from profound mental health & legal issues. He never wrote me off & as a result, I am a functioning member of society, now attending college for Electronics Engineering. I have missed George a great deal since his stroke & finally, his death. I will always remember his humor, knowlege & generosity of which he shared with all of his friends.

Renee B

January 30, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I also want to express my sincere appreciation for Mr. Jones' service to our country, and for the sacrifices his family endured during his time of service.

Dan Garland

January 30, 2008

George was a most valued friend by all the Garland family.

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