VCU news

John E. Jones, M.D., former vice president for health sciences and special assistant to the president at Virginia Commonwealth University, died Dec. 2 in Cary, N.C.

Jones’ leadership in strategic planning during the 1990s helped lead to the establishment of the VCU Health System in 2000. His work significantly enhanced academic programs and research in health sciences and secured the future of the patient care mission at VCU.

In 2002, Jones was awarded VCU’s highest honor, the Presidential Medallion, which recognizes members of the university, health system and external communities for extraordinary service, and honors individuals for their exceptional achievement in enhancing the mission of VCU and the VCU Health System.

"John Jones was a gentle senior executive with Virginia Commonwealth University - someone who deserved, and received, respect and admiration from all who knew him," said Sheldon Retchin, M.D., who currently serves as vice president for health sciences at VCU - the same position Jones held. "He was a role model and someone who was masterful at gaining consensus. He left an indelible impression and legacy at the university."

Hermes Kontos, M.D., Ph.D., who succeeded Jones and preceded Retchin, said Jones was like a father figure from whom he often sought advice, even after Jones’ retirement.

“After [Jones] stepped down we continued having lunch together from time to time,” Kontos said.  “He was always forthcoming with advice and I will always value his recommendations.”

Jones was a native of Utah and received his medical degree from the University of Utah. Before coming to VCU, he worked from 1961 to 1991 at West Virginia University, where he rose from instructor in the department of medicine to vice president for health sciences.

When Jones was hired in 1991 as vice president for health sciences at VCU, Eugene P. Trani, the president of VCU at the time, predicted Jones’ appointment would be the most important appointment he made in his first three years as president.

Kontos said Jones’ success had much to do with trust and honesty.

“You can’t bring about major change in an institution without really having people work with you and trust you,” Kontons said. “And people really trusted [Jones] because he was a straight shooter.”

Jones served in the United States Navy for 13 years and was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which he served many positions including Bishop of Clover Hill Ward of the Midlothian Stake.

Visitation and memorial service will be at the Bennett Funeral Home, Chesterfield Chapel, 14301 Ashbrook Parkway on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. The gravesite dedication will follow immediately at the Dale Memorial Park, 10201 Newby Bridge Road.