In Memory of Law Professor Jeffrey Jones

Associate Professor of Law and Philosophy Jeffrey D. Jones passed away on December 25, 2020. He was 52 years old. The family placed an obituary in the Milwaukee Journal, Wisconsin. The law school created a tribute form for students, alumni, colleagues, and friends to recount their happy memories to share with his family. A virtual Celebration of Life event is scheduled for January 29 at 3:00 p.m. PDT.

Professor Jones taught employment law, disability law, property law, property transactions, and a number of jurisprudence courses. He also taught a course on law and social justice in Lewis & Clark College’s Department of Philosophy. Recently, Professor Jones became interested in new media and launched the podcast and blog space, Legalcide.

Student Bar Association president, Amanda Pham Haines, wrote about Professor Jones, “There are some people in life that shine so brightly, they illuminate the best in the people around them. Professor Jeffrey Jones was that person. Professor Jones treated us, and our ideas, with respect and genuine curiosity. He encouraged innovative thinking and creativity in the classroom and out of it. His laugh will echo through our memories and through the lasting impression he made on Lewis & Clark.”

Lewis & Clark Law School Dean Jennifer Johnson asked the law school community to share memories of Professor Jones. “Jeff was a great teacher and mentor, a dear colleague, and a good friend to so many of us,” said the dean. “We will really miss him, his friendship, his great smile, and his passion for innovation in teaching.”

At the 2018 Commencement, Iram Riaz ’18 presented the Leo Levenson Excellence in Teaching award to Jones. “Professor Jones respects every student and creates a comfortable classroom environment in which students can express their opinions and learn from others,” she said. “He challenges students to think outside of the conventional mindset and encourages students to set goals, not just for ourselves, but for the future of the entire legal profession.”

As Jones received the award, he remarked that he had learned from students as well. “I’m so moved and humbled that our graduating class bestowed this award upon me. Perhaps more so than any other class, I’ve come to know this class the best. And I’ve found them to be a class of leaders and innovators – and, most relevant here, deep thinkers and agitators – for the values that Lewis and Clark stands for.”

Jones earned a PhD in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral studies at Boston University’s School of Law and BU’s then Institute on Race and Social Division. He received his JD at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

The Jeffrey Jones Tribute Fund was created in 2021 to honor the memory of beloved Professor Jeffrey Jones. Donations to the Fund can be made online or mailed to: Lewis & Clark Law School Development Office 10101 S. Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, OR 97219