David Alan Jones

Because our two children are adopted, it was most helpful to my late wife Joan, and to me, to read David's life story, and to talk with him about his experience of adoption. We had several opportunities for this, and without pestering him, we welcomed his memories and reflections when they spontaneously appeared in conversation. He was, obviously, a man who knew himself well, and had achieved a capacity for close friendship and for intelligent understanding of the life-situations and hopes of others. We enjoyed, over many years, every occasion that we were able to share with him and his family.

I first met David, his wife Nancy, and their three kids (Margie, Rachel, and Brooks) at meetings of what was then called The Society for Values in Higher Education (now The Society for the Future of Higher Education). I became a fellow of the Society in 1980. David and family came some years later, how many I don't remember. My late wife, my two daughters, and I became close to their family. David was always cheerful and had interesting things to say. We were both family men. My daughter Christine became close with Margie, and they are still friends today in 2023. I bonded with Rachel on the tennis courts of whichever college we had our annual summer meetings at. I wish we were in more frequent contact now. I miss David, who figured as a friendly collegial presence during my middle years, I wish he was still around. With Aloha, Reynold Ruslan Feldman, Ph.D., Boulder, Colorado

With a single word and a smile, Dave could lift anyone's spirits and pick out everyone else. It came from within, and was his gift.

With deepest sympathy to Nancy and Margie, who may remember me from the 1990s when I regularly attended SVHE meetings, and to the rest of the family, whom I probably have not met. I remember fondly Dave´s lovely smile and lovely spirit. I can imagine that he lit up the hospital and Carol Woods his last days. Bright spirits like him always do. May he always be in each of you. Marcia Robinson

David Jones was truly a bright and welcoming soul every year I visited Carol Woods community. He was a dear, cherished friend of the Moore family. My sincere condolences to Nancy and the Jones family. David Moore, in Colorado, son of Jack and Nina.

Dave and Nancy and family became part of the Society for Values in Higher Education about six years after I did, but it always seemed as if they had been Fellows forever, leaders and mentors and centers of life and love. I seem to remember lots of tee shirts over a few years that proclaimed the wearer to be A Friend of the Joneses or something like that. Please send me the link for the December 4 celebration of Dave's life. My love and prayers to Nancy, Margie, Brooks, Rachel and all the adopted Joneses.

David has been a bright light of humanitarian commitment and engagement for all the sixty years I was privileged to know him. His good cheer and wit in the midst of complex human problems were wonderful. An excellent human being has left this world and my heart goes out to Nancy, Margie, Brooks and Rachel and all who loved him and miss him so much. Please enable us to participate by zoom in the December Memorial service.

Dear David and Nancy, you were always so welcoming to us and my mother Silvia. I will be forever grateful our lives crossed paths.
Un grande abbraccio,
Alina

David and his family have been close to me and mine for many years. When Joan and I were new adoptive parents, our children three and four, Dave shared with us his memoir of growing up an adopted child. Upbeat, truthful, covering a lot of ground, reassuring in every way. Dave and his family, in later years, were always good to be with, always interested in Caitlin and Philip, always helpful and kind when we shared the occasional tough time. All of this, models of good cheer and energy, and solid scholarly chops too. Dave is greatly missed, and I know that the loss, whatever the hard times of his decline, is deeply true for all of you. I'm headed to a family wedding on Nov. 12, but count me in for the Zoom call, please. With sympathy, Phil O'Mara

I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

David and his family "adopted" me in 1980 and many other creatures before and after. I learned a lot at their house without being taught. I simply learned a whole bunch of things about healthy relationships. Thanks to you all. Vi abbraccio forte!

For so many years I heard my
parents say " We´re having dinner with the Joneses ". I was able to meet everyone and become an occasional fixture at the dinner table in the Carol Woods dining room.
It was always a happy occasion filled with love and laughter as Dave could tell a joke!
Your family and mine will always be there for each other!
Florry and Dave are up in Heaven having a pain free grand ole time

Dearest Joneses,
Please know that you are all in my prayers and heart at this time. I miss David and look forward to saying so on December 4th. So please add me to your list for the Zoom link for that event. Thanks.
With love and concern,
Reynold Feldman
Boulder, Colorado
[email protected]
720-232-1417

Growing up, the Jones household was my home away from home. David was central to that. I'm better for having known him and feel his loss deeply. My love goes out to the family.

To the Jones family. My condolences and love to each of you. May David Jones, your husband and father rest in peace and your memories of him live forever in your hearts.

Nancy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in the memories shared with your loving husband.

Growing up I spent many nights at Jones home with Brooks. Mr. Jones welcomed me in as a member of the family and I will never forget the feeling of love they showed me!

Brooks and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Sounds like your dad was an incredible person and although you will miss him, I am sure he is celebrating with those that have gone on before him.

As president of NC Wesleyan College 2009-2014, I can attest to David´s brilliance in teaching, writing, and service to the college community. He and Nancy gave so very much of themselves to Rocky Mount as well.
Jim Gray