J. David Jones MD

The family of J. David Jones MD announces his passing on November 9, 2021 - six weeks before his 93rd birthday. Dave had a wonderful life as a physician, husband, and father. He will be greatly missed by his wife Lucile and his family including his seven children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two brothers. Dave had a wonderful 68-year marriage to his loving wife Lucile. He will also be missed by a multitude of patients whose lives he changed as a child psychiatrist at Duke University Medical Center for more than 40 years.

Born in New Jersey to Stuart and Phala Jones, Dave claimed Virginia where he spent summers and holidays with his grandparents, and Texas, where he grew up, to be his home state. Dave was a proud VMI graduate of the class of 1950B followed by Duke University Medical School class of 1954. After serving two years in the Air Force, Dave went on to complete residencies at Duke and was board certified in both pediatrics and psychiatry. His life's work was in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dave practiced in the Private Diagnostic Clinic and was an Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke. Dave was beloved by his patients and students. He won the Professor of the Year Award several times.

Among Dr. Jones’ passions were his family, the practice of medicine, watching late-night classic movies, walking and fishing at the beach, and Duke basketball--even in the losing years. In retirement, Lucile and Dave traveled extensively including to all seven continents. But Dave’s greatest joy was probably the 50 summers with the family at Figure Eight Island.

In every aspect of life including his practice of medicine, Dave put interpersonal relationships above all else. Dave aka “Pa” by his grandchildren was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. His kind heart and his great sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Dave is survived by his wife Lucile Best Jones; daughter Lucie Jones Badham (Paxton) of Raleigh; son David (Jessie) of Charlotte; daughter Sallie Jones Grubb (Gordon) of Raleigh; daughter Kelly Jones Wilbanks (Peter) of Richmond, VA.; son Will (Blanche) of Wilmington; daughter Maria Jones Anderson (Peyton) of Raleigh; and son Rob (Melissa) of Raleigh along with 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Pannill (Claire) of Seminole, FL., and Stinson (Julie) of Fort Worth, TX., sister-in-law, Betsy Best of Clinton and Raleigh, NC. and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks from the family to the wonderful staff in Memory Care and in Skilled Nursing at The Cardinal at North Hills, and Georgia Leary, Dave’s private nurse.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 18th at 1:00 PM at Christ Church, 120 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wright School -Mental Health Treatment Program, 3132 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704, or the charity of your choice.