Alfred "Eric" Jones

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alfred "Eric" Jones, MD, on April 29, 2024. For his last five years, he had a challenging battle with vascular dementia. Born on July 27, 1935, Eric lived a life filled with purpose, curiosity, and dedicated service to his country and his chosen field of medicine.

Eric's father who had the same name, Alfred Eric Jones, emigrated from London, England, and his mother Rakel Oddson's family emigrated from Iceland; both settling in Winnipeg Canada. The couple met, married, and had Eric in 1935. As a child he enjoyed going to the movies with his father on Friday nights, cross country skiing, and summer road trips from Winnipeg to Los Angeles. Of note was a trip to London with his parents in 1940. During this trip he and his family survived the WWII German bombing of London known as "The Blitz".

Eric graduated from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine in 1959. Soon after he began working at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in San Diego, practicing endocrinology. In 1965 he married the love of his life, Susan Kaegi Jones. As a Canadian citizen, Eric was called to serve in the US Army. He served from February 22, 1969, to May 4, 1971. Subsequently he followed his colleague and close friend Dr. Jerrold Johnston to work at the NIH Clinical Center in 1971. In 1984 he was at the VA hospital in Richmond, VA for a year. In 1985 he began serving at the FDA as a Clinical Team Leader, HFD-160, where he retired in 1999.

Eric was known for his analytical mind, witty sense of humor, and his compassionate nature. His favorite pastimes included photography, gardening, reading historical figures' biographies, travelling with Susan, and researching his family's genealogy. He found joy in simple pleasures, like sipping his favorite gin and tonic while enjoying episodes of "Star Trek" and "The Benny Hill Show". He loved reading biographies about the U.S. Founding Fathers and vacationing at Windansea Beach in San Diego - a favorite spot from his dating days with Susan.

Eric's life was characterized by the ethos, "Do not get caught". He believed in living his life without regret and thrived in his accomplishments - over thirty years of service in the federal government as a medical researcher, including his time in military service, stands as testimony to his dedication.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Kaegi Jones; his son, Alfred Eric Jones III; his daughter-in-law, Noriko Jones; his grandson, Alexander Kai Jones; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Mia Jones. Eric was predeceased by his daughter, Kristjan Kaegi Jones (1976-1980).

A viewing and funeral service for Eric will be held on May 13, 2024, at the Roy W. Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville, MD. The viewing will begin at 1000, followed by the funeral service at 1100. Eric will be laid to rest at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD, at 1300 on the same day.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being collected for the Alzheimer's Association at http://everloved.com/life-of/alfred-eric-jones/…. Eric's life reminds us of the importance of service, love, and unfiltered living. His memory will forever remain in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfred "Eric" Jones, please visit our floral store.