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Peter Jeffery Jones
April 19th, 1946 - September 23rd, 2020
April 19th, 1946 - September 23rd, 2020
Santa Fe, NM--Peter Jeffery Jones reached the end of a long run with Parkinson's Disease on the morning of September 23, 2020 with his sons, wife and daughter-in-law at his bedside. Jeff lived life with excited urgency and a competitive spirit. He was often happiest in motion and was a gifted all-around athlete and adventurer. After college, he spent a year hitch-hiking around the world before teaching math in the Adirondack Region of New York. Jeff loved challenges, games, cards and puzzles; he was also good at helping others navigate complex choices by giving straightforward advice and encouragement. He was "the fun", charming, a pied piper and mischievous. His thoughts also ran as deep as the Champlain waters he loved to fish and his loyalty towards friends from grade school on was steadfast.
Grass rarely grew under "Jonesey's" feet and he left the Adirondacks for law school, ultimately becoming a Defense Attorney in New Mexico where he met and married Ernestine Garcia. Together they raised two sons, Christopher and Jeremy, who were imbued with their parents’ curiosity, zest for life and love of the outdoors. During his thirty years practicing law, Jeff was a true advocate for the poor and disadvantaged both as a Public Defender and in private practice.
Parkinson’s Disease was not a challenge Jeff faced easily. His life’s toolbox was his body--with it he could run a problem into the ground, chop enough wood to exorcise anger or swim several miles to vanquish disappointment. His spirit was overwhelmed by the disease that overcame his physical abilities. He loved the life he had had fiercely; but more than anything, he loved his family who saw him through his most troubled times and who worked diligently to care for him at home. Finally, Jeff laid his burden down and, with his family, by his side, he let go of “Jeff who has Parkinson’s” and became “Jeff, laughing boy, running man and free spirit” once again.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents, John and Charlotte Jones. He is survived by his wife, Ernestine, and sons, Christopher and Jeremy Jones (Christina) and by his siblings, Jeremy (Tracy), Christopher (MaryBeth), Charlotte (Daniel), Jennifer (Greg) as well as nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
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Tributes
Denzil Hollingsworth
I first met Jeff on the football field the first day of practice in the fall of 1966. His father was a headmaster, as was mine. My father was also a Kenyon Alpha Delt, as was Jeff, and became one as well. A fierce competitor, he outplayed his skill set substituting with sheer determination and will to win to accomplish things that most of us would not attempt. Marathons became a part of his lexicon after her spent 30 days running around Oahu and finishing 3rd. He attracted striking women and treasured the company of his male friends. He even joined Jeff Kelly and his new bride in Southampton on their honeymoon… He was often welcomed in my family home in KY, as was I in his in Westport & Santa Fe. We last shared a meal in Santa Fe in December 2012, the first time he had been out of the house in 6 months. When we last spoke he said “don’t be a stranger”…that was more than eight years ago…He was my friend…and holds a special place in my memory bank. Yea
William M Northway
I was a fraternity brother with Jeff at Kenyon College. He was a wonderful friend, and I loved him dearly - even though he totally destroyed my right knee in a wrestling match in the lounge: it was to decide who was tougher, the captain of the soccer team or the QB of the football team. I will never forget how white his face turned from the sound that my knee made when he took it out. I almost forgave him for that. My nickname was Piggy. Years later I called him during the evening; I believe he was working late. I did not identify myself, but I asked if he was the lawyer, Jeff Jones. I asked how long is the statute of limitations for having totally destroyed a person's knee, to the point where they eventually had to have it replaced? His answer was: "There is no statute of limitations on pigs!" I remember him fondly and dearly lament not being able to reach out and tell him that I love him. Bill Northway
Marcella O. Gonzales
Ernestine, my prayers are with you and your family.
Richard Powell Grieser
Peter Jeffery Jones, otherwise known as the “flea” by his Kenyon buddies, was certainly a helluva lotta fun to be around!!! I am positive he’ll be missed. My name is Richard Grieser, a frat brother of the flea and a 2 year roommate with Jonsie at the Weaver cottage in Gambier, Ohio for our last 2 years of college. Jejj Kelley, Jones, and yours truly spent some time at Skenewood on Lake Champlain after teaching in NYC for several years. Strange for me that Jones ain’t here on this plane of existence. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and kids!! R Grieser
Margaret Brander
My deepest condolences to Ernestine, Christopher and Jermery on your loss. Jeff was always special to me and I will be grateful for his kindness and wit.
Steve Aarons & Doris Valdez
Jeff was my office mate, lap swimming buddy, baseball rivalry, I am Chris’ godfather. I have a million thoughts - too many to write down. His death is bittersweet - to see such a physicaly active soul struck down by Parkinson’s is a lesson I am still learning. My only regret was not spending more time with Jeff - I could blame Covid-19 but I felt guilty, a fat slob basking in my golden years as Jeff, a gifted athlete, struggled through his. I am relieved that both sons and daughter in law were in town - they were and are his pride & joy. So many thoughts, here is a picture of Jeff and me hiking, he wearing an Army jacket I loaned him. ¡Vaya con Dios, Jefe!
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