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Memorial Tribute: Jefferson J. Jones, D.M.D.

JonesJeffersonJefferson J. Jones, D.M.D. | 1932-2015

AAE Life Member Jefferson J. Jones, D.M.D., passed away on November 14, 2015, at the age of 83.

The first African-American endodontist in Ohio, Dr. Jones dedicated more than four decades of his life to educating future endodontists at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. He joined the school’s faculty in 1967, and in 1974, he was named chair of the department of endodontics, a position he held until his retirement in 2009. As chair, he raised the department to national prominence and founded its graduate residency program. Dr. Jones also served as president of the school’s African American Faculty and Staff Organization for 25 years. Dr. Jones graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and received his endodontic training at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco. In addition to his work at the university, he was active in organized dentistry, serving as president of the Ohio Association of Endodontists and the Forest City Dental Society.

“Dr. Jones was my first endodontic teacher, my mentor, my friend, and I considered him to be my father. He is the reason I have been a full-time endodontic educator and residency program director for almost 20 years. I thank God for allowing Dr. Jones to be in my life. I will forever be grateful.” – Andre K. Mickel, D.D.S., M.S.D.

“I became an endodontist and an academic because of Dr. Jefferson J. Jones. I patterned my life after him because he was the finest example of an academic, an administrator, a gentleman and a mentor.” – Kenneth B. Chance, D.D.S.