8/16/2012

I was extremely fortunate to know and revere Mr. Jones/Walter/Walt on 3 levels.

First as a student and coach. There was never anyone as clean and direct as Mr. Jones. Both in the class room and coaching football and track he exemplified the ability to win or lose with class. I learned tremendous lessons of control, competition and class from Mr. Jones.

As "Walter" and as a peer leading a one day Business Planning session for SSA I got to work with him to assemble the criteria and concepts to help our Academy look at its future.

And as "Walt", a friend and exciting visitor from Pittsburgh, I was able to stand back and watch him "coach" my 4 year old son, David, on our basketball court at our home in Brentwood, West LA.

That memory stands out so clearly -- I just stood to the side and enjoyed the beauty and simplicity of his personality as he took a little boy he had never met and helped him be better at shooting. What a joy.

There is no question that Mr. Jones had a full life lived well. He consistently set a superb example for all of us who were fortunate enough to know him and love him. I feel very privileged to have known F. Walter Jones on 3 levels over many years.

I send deepest sympathies and condolences to his family. You were very fortunate to call him yours.

With deep feelings and highest regards,

John S. Haskell '60
Los Angeles, CA

3/5/2012

Talk about a life well lived and invested! Thank you Mr. Jones!

He touched my life as a student at Shady Side Academy by his example as a man, teacher, and leader. While I don't have a particular story to share, it is more the image and feelings of him I still carry.

I envision him fit, erect, greying, with a chiseled chin briskly walking on the campus of SSA. He worn a dark suit and thin tie against a white shirt equally well as a pair of SSA blue shorts and a white polo with the SSA logo. His unending smile - set upon a somewhat stoic demeanor - was that of a man very comfortable and quietly pleased in his own skin. Here was a man with an unflinching sense of high personal standards and expectation in himself, yet a graciousness acceptance and perspective toward a bunch of goofy and over active high school boys.

Mr. Jones wasn't a friend, per se. He was clearly the adult in the room. Other teachers let themselves to be known by their first name, but not Mr. Jones. He didn't demand that respect from us. He simply was a man to be respected and, yet, extraordinarily friendly.

Reflecting on his life and example, I can truly say that Mr. Jones still stands fit, erect, and etched in my mind as an example for me to follow even today.

From his heavenly vantage, I imagine him in the God's gym, whistle around his neck and blowing it to stop practice. Methodically and without the slightest bit of irritation, he's explaining to the angels how to run that pick and roll better. Mr. Jones, I pray you have better success with them than you did with us. After all the hell we put you through, you deserve a heavenly team.

My kindest regards to the whole family with whom I ate many meals as a boarder from 8th grade on. We all kinda grew up together and your dad was mine while I was away from home. Thanks for sharing him with me. We're all better men and women for him. Love to you all.

Kevin W. McCarthy, SSA, 1973

3/3/2012

What a wonderful human being married to a wonderful human being. They touched our lives in so many ways, beginning with Bill's days as a student when Walter guided him from basketball into wrestling, where he excelled. When Bill had to be out of town for Douglas' first Father/Son Junior School banquet, Walter went in his place. "Mom, EVERYBODY knew Mr. Jones," he said. And it made his banquet all the more special. Ruth recruited me to teach in Fox Chapel Adult Ed when we moved here almost 30 years ago. They touched our lives in so many ways, including Nancy's friendship. God Bless You all to have such a rich family.

LaDonna Bates (an only child married to an only child.)

3/3/2012

I'm saddened for the loss of Walter and regret that travel prevents my attending his remembrance at Shady Side today.

Walter's life touched mine in important ways as mentor, coach and friend over a span of fifty years. Ever a teacher (starting at Shady Side day camp), Walter was an exemplar of the values he instilled. His boundless passion for competition, sportsmanship and excellence instilled important life lessons that serve me still. It was at Shady Side that I learned that great achievements are possible and best realized through dedication to hard work, thorough preparation, teamwork and having fun.

One lasting memory from SSA day camp: at least once a week, following lunch at McCune Dining Hall, Walter would personally hand competition prizes (typically Sugar Daddy candy bars) to winning team members. On one occasion,the supply of candy ran out before my team could claim our prizes. Walter was roundly "booed" (my jeers were among the loudest). When order in the dining was restored, Walter made the point (then to the deaf ears of 8 year old boys) that "competing and winning were their own rewards". By my SSA graduation, 10 years later, the lesson had finally sunk in.

Robert F. Maloney, III

3/2/2012

While attending Shady Side Summer Day Camp in the mid 1960's, Walter Jones (Mr Jones) impressed upon my young mind the importance of maximum effort, having a good time, and fair play in athletics.

Whenever I see his name above the field at Shady Side Academy I smile as it reminds me of those important learning days back at summer camp. I believe I am a lucky man to have been influenced by the positive ways of Mr Jones.

Sincerely,

Dave Hamilton

2/28/2012

F Walter and the entire Jones family was a great part of my life at SSA. Fond memories of his influence on my growing up at SSA. Being welcomed to the Jones' family table at dinner in McCune Hall and making sure that we all ate well insured that my own family spent many wonderful evenings at our dinner table. I still enjoy waiting tables at our family functions.

I am sorry for your loss, but know that he lives on truly as Mr SSA.

Bill Rial '64

2/28/2012

So sad to hear of the passing of "Mr. Jones". I remember him from the 50's and later in both the school and the camp, but especially from the gym and sports. Someone in these 'thoughts' mentioned pull ups on door jams. What a good memory :-) Eras pass and the people associated with them as well. I hope the school will do well by him so future members of the SSA family can get to know him.

Vincent c (Court) Dwyer - Class of '65

2/27/2012

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Walter Jones. Through those he touched either as teacher, mentor, coach or father figure, Walter made the world a better place. There is no one who influenced my life more than he did, both on and off the athletic field. I feel truly blessed to have known him.

Gene Helsel '53

2/25/2012

Let it be known that there has never been nor ever shall be one individual to have guided so many for the rest of their lives in and out of the classroom as well as on and off the field. He created the IPSL for CC and carried it over into Track. When we coached together in CC and Track, I truly thought that he would surely survive us all, being in great shape always, after pull-ups every AM on the door jam.

His example will remain as the solid ethical foundation for all generations to follow, especially for Athletics and for Administrations above all. I truly thought that he would outlast everything and everyone. The truth of the matter is that he has and will do so through the infinite number of lives molded, from one generation to the next and to the next, etc.

My very best to All.

MAC

2/25/2012

I entered the Senior School 3 months after my dad died and I played basketball for Mr Jones for 3 years. He was very much a father figure for me and I had enormous respect for his compassion, wisdom, and ability to encourage those around him to be the best we could be at whatever we undertook.

We didn't win a lot of games back then but you would never have known it from Mr Jones unfailingly positive attitude and words of encouragement. More than anything, he taught me that regardless of what's in front of you or how badly you are behind, never give up, never back down, and never ever stop believing in yourself.

He was one of the most influential people in my life and his family should take enormous pride in the thousands of young men and women he influenced in a positive way.

Henry Cauley '73

2/24/2012

Ken and I work together with entrepreneurial students at the University of Houston. Here in the heart of Texas we found that we'd grown up five miles apart (I grew up in Oakmont the son of the town's senior high school English teacher.) Last week-end we were together at a retreat with 70 students when the word came that Ken's dad had passed away. Ken spoke eloquently and emotionally about what his father had meant to him, his family and the generations of students who had streamed through SSA. From my perspective the Jones' legacy of passing along life lessons, inspiring students and leading by example...it is alive and thriving in Houston through Ken. Our sympathy to the family and all those who knew this legend... I'm sorry I never got to meet him.

Dave Cook

2/23/2012

I am very sorry that I will not have the pleasure of seeing Walt any more. He was the one individual who I will always remember from my years at Shady Side and I saw him often at Beechwood. Walt was first one of my teachers at Shady Side but I really got to know him as my track coach. Walt coached me as a very average sprinter, a slightly better quarter miler but with more promise as a pole vaulter. My introduction to track through Walt led me to enjoy some very special moments as a quarter miler and pole vaulter at Exeter and throughout my life as a runner. I still enjoy spending time on the road.

I was able to renew our friendship through my wife, Tingle, who worked at Beechwood in many capacities. She loved Walter and appreciated his company and what he gave to Beechwood.

Tingle and I will always remember Walter through the painting he made of our farm. He came out to the farm and discussed many different scenes with Tingle. Tingle decided on five different scenes which Walter painted from pictures he had taken. The five scenes are mounted in a single frame. The painting hangs in our kitchen and we enjoy it daily. It will always bring back our fond memories of a wonderful, soft-spoken friend.

He was always a great gentleman and wonderful company. Tingle and I will miss him.

Richard Barnes

2/23/2012

Dear Family of F. Walter Jones:

I was privileged to be a caregiver for your father from HomeInstead Senior Care. While only with Mr. Jones for a short time, I was enlightened by reading his albums of family photos and his large collection of paintings. He certainly had an illustrious life and career and I am sure you are most proud. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,

Rita R. DiFrancesco, HomeInstead Senior Care

2/23/2012

The passing of F. Walter Jones at age 89 was a bit of a surprise, as I anticipated he would live well beyond 100 due to his apparent good health, spartan living and approach to life.

During my infrequent visits to Pittsburgh, it was always a pleasure to visit with him at SSA. I have thought of him many times over the years.

Walter was one of the most influential people in my early development and subsequent life. It was my good fortune to to have been one of his many basketball players over his lengthy coaching career. He taught me the value of hard work, dedication, patience and maintaining a positive attitude.

It has been said that Walter never uttered in his lifetime a vulgarity or profanity. I never saw him express anger at an official or umpire. He never mentioned his achievements at Pitt. One could always trust him to be the same person every day.

Walter was as pure a role model as I've ever known. Memories of him will linger on for years to come.

F. Walter Jones was the epitome of a man of virtue.

John F. Steel MD, Class of 1950

2/23/2012

Dear Tom, what a wonderful man he was and what wonderful memories he left for us. How fortunate were you to have such an exemplary father as your dad.

When he saw the need he would vacate formality, reach out and be a friend. This icon of principle and integrity could be real and personal.

Knowing you for those few years in the 60's, I expect he must have been proud. Even then you reflected his qualities.

Warm regards,

Art Villa

2/22/2012

Mr. Jones was one of the good things I remember about SSA. As an inner-city scholarship kid, the campus and many of its students seemed to me to be from another world. Not the faculty and especially not Mr. Jones. He was as down to earth as they come and he took a genuine interest in every student, no matter the scope of his intellect or the size of his bank account (there were no girls back then, lest you think I am politically incorrect).

Mr. Jones was extremely competitive, a fact that became obvious in the student/faculty softball games. I still hear him calling Boys! Boys! Boys! and clapping his hands as he exhorted our out-sized and out-skilled basketball team to beat our opponents merely by outworking and out-thinking them. I still remember the dribble and miss, and the give and go man-to-man offenses, and that's after 40 years!

Mr. Jones was a kind and decent human being. While he will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him, we can only hope at least a part of him will always be a part of us...his commitment to serve others.

May God welcome you into His arms and Mrs. Jones be there when it happens.

Jack Miller '71'

2/22/2012

He was a wonderful man and the embodiment of the best of SSA. I have thought of him often since graduation. He and his family will be in my prayers.

Hugh Scott

2/22/2012

Mr. Jones was a part of my life indirectly from the beginning. He was my father's basketball coach and a revered figure when I attended Shady Side Academy. Our primary connection though started in 1999 when I was selected as the Admissions Director for the Senior School. Mr. Jones would visit me in my first few years to talk about how things were going and to act as a resource to me. I learned many things from Mr. Jones but the one that I most refer to is this advice - remember to give every child the same respect and care during the admissions process, even when you begin to believe the fit is not right. You preserve the family's dignity and uphold the school's reputation and guiding principles. When my days are busy and we are at the height of the admissions season, I have found this advice to help keep my feet on the ground and head clear. This has been a simple yet wonderful gift.

Katie Hoopes Mihm

2/22/2012

I am truly saddened to learn of Walt Jones's death. I last saw him a little more than four years ago at my 50th reunion, and he greeted me as if it were still 1958. He was of enormous value to his students as he exemplified unfailing decency and adherence to the highest standards. It was an important example for teenagers, and, certainly, I never forgot it, not even a little bit.

Thanks, Mr. Jones.

James Wechsler

2/21/2012

I was lucky enough to know Walter in two contexts: as a colleague at SSA and as a fellow board member at the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. Though Walter had retired many years before I started working at Shady Side, his love of the school brought its history alive and made my time there all the more meaningful. As an ASWP volunteer, Walter and I shared a love for the natural world, and fly fishing in particular, that made the time I spent with him very special. One day, we fished a small creek near Todd Sanctuary, and he delighted in scrambling down a bank and into the water to chase trout. We heard a ruffed grouse in the woods, and the smile of delight on his face will stay with me forever.

Tight lines, Mr. Jones.

David Liebmann

2/21/2012

I was so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. My heartfelt sympathies to all. He was an inspirational coach and mentor to me and so many others. I learned a lot about basketball from him, but I learned so much more about life. I'm forever grateful for his contributions to me and Shady Side.

Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate Walter's life here.

Tom Lazaroff

2/21/2012

Walter was my basketball coach in the late 1960's but I think I appreciated him far more as I came to know him after high school. My wife and I invited Walter to the David Mccullough lecture at Allegheny General hospital several years ago. David knew Walter would be there and asked him to stand and acknowledged him as one of the most influential teachers of his lifetime! To Walter I am sure this was the highest praise to be had. I consider him one of my heroes and feel priviledged to have been his friend.

Mike Casey

2/21/2012

With Sympathy I send these thoughts in hope they may bring some comfort.....

It was a great sadness to hear of the passing of Coach Jones. He was a remarkable man and touched literally thousands of students who passed through the front gates of Shady Side. I know from experienced that they all departed through those gates better prepared for the world that faced them because of Mr. Jones. We can only hope that we can live a life as full as his.

Coach was a man of principle and a consummate gentlemen. That is not to say that he was never intense nor raised his voice when needed. When he did, the message was clear in that he was not angry with you as an individual or group; he was disappointed. That was something that would resonate deep within you and motivated you to train or study harder. Mr. Jones was a man who made you better than you thought you could be. If you were touched in your life by this gentle man, you have been given a gift worth sharing. He always left you with a word of wisdom or an example to tuck away for future use. He lives on through all of us. He always would leave me with a sense of wonder and amazement. It was difficult to imagine anyone who imparted more to others with his simple and plan ways that "Mr. Shady Side".

He was a fabulous artist who not only painted with water colors but also with love - on the walls of all the hearts of those who knew him whether that be in the class room or on the fields of athletic endeavors.

I send my warmest regards to the family of Mr. F. Walter Jones along with my prayers traveling across the miles to you all. Especially to Nancy and John, Tom and Jeanine, Cathy and Steve, Ken, and Sam and Teresa as well as his beloved grandchildren. Forgive me for not listing all the grandchildren by name. However, if you care to know them, simply go to Shady Side and read the names of the graduates of Shady Side Academy for the past 43 years.

God Speed "Mr. Shady Side" - you be missed but never forgotten.

With great sympathy,

Shawn Smith, Class of 1970

2/21/2012

Walter Jones had a true joie de vivre and modeled living life to it's fullest. Mr. Jones was both my track coach (SSA '81) and a colleague of mine until his retirement. I will always remember him fondly.

Gary Middleton

2/21/2012

To all the Jones Family, I'm Nancy's colleague at the LRDC and know that your father must have been a remarkable man because Nancy is a reflection of your Dad in so many ways. I'm so glad I read about him and the family. I send my thoughts, prayers, and condolences to all of you and a big hug to Nancy, an esteemed and respected colleague.

Rosita Apodaca

2/21/2012

My story about the greatness of F. Walter Jones is this, and it goes to the core of this extraordinary human being:

I did not really have any contact with F. Walter during my SSA years, 1964-1967, though his son, Tommie Jones, was a dear friend and Captain of our almost winning soccer team in 1967.

Then I returned to Shady Side, as a summer school Prefect, in the summers of '67 and '68. I expressed an interest in fly fishing, about which I knew nothing. Even though I was not even a student any longer at SSA, F. Walter said, "I will teach you", and during the summer of 1968, he taught me all the beautiful elements of fly tying and fly fishing. He took me to his special fly fishing store, and together we bought my very first fly fishing outfit. What a delight. What an honor. What a great man!

For my whole life, I will aspire to be the kind of man as was F. Walter Jones.

Christopher Skelly

2/21/2012

Mr. Jones--he will always be Mr. Jones to me--was the most important person at Shady Side during my years there.

I was not in any of his classes, but was on his cross-country team. I was easily the slowest runner on the team. Yet Mr. Jones never failed to encourage me or let me feel less of a full and deserving member of the team because of my lack of ability. I cannot convey how important this was to me during a time in my life that was emotionally quite difficult, a time when I was still dealing with the death of my own father.

I can see his quick smile and the glint in his eye. I can hear his easy laugh and his gentle yet important suggestions for a life well lived that he imparted to us as we stretched on the damp grass before our workouts.

There are tears in my eyes as I type this.

I will always love you, Mr. Jones.

Bill Yard '68'

2/21/2012

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Jones. I can honestly say he was one of the greatest, and most inspirational, forces I have ever dealt with. He changed the direction of my life and made me want to be a better person. The world lost a great leader, and we all will miss him.

Jim Genstein

2/21/2012

Class 1963:

Mr. Jones was a wonderful human being. My senior year we had beaten (very badly) one of the other league football teams and after the game the other team ate lunch in the dining hall before returning to Cleveland.

Typical of Mr. Jones, we the victors waited on their tables. He valued humility and made sure even in victory that we all remain humble.

He was a man of grace, fluid in his athletic prowess, and in his spirituality He never became a composite of whatever he imagined the person he was talking to at the moment wanted him to be. He was a statesman not a politician. He led by the strength of his own character. There are few such men and we are all fortunate to have learned from him and to have been encouraged to be, all we could, be by him.

Tom Campbell

2/21/2012

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Jones. He was truly a renaissance man who I grew to respect deeply. If the world was filled with men like him it would be an awesome place. Even though he never appreciated my reckless basketball abilities, I admired his passion, humility, grace and integrity. My family will be thinking of your family this weekend and all the great memories we all have of your dad. Shout out to Sam, hope you are well.

Philip Goldblum

2/21/2012

Mr. Jones was my advisor my first year at Shady Side. I have always believed he was one of the most ethical people I have ever met. In this day and age ethics can be a forgotten quality, but as a result of his example it something I have never taken for granted and have never forgotten. He set a standard that I have used in my public and private life. He will be missed by his family and friends, but the lessons he taught live on.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Jones's family and friends. I only hope the memories of the good times help to relieve the pain of his passing.

Tom Vilsack

2/20/2012

Hello Joneses. I was shocked and saddened when Tom informed me of the passing of your Dad. Growing up you guys were my second family and Your Mom and Dad were my other parents. Great great people. So many wonderful memories of growing up with you all on the campus at Shady Side will be cherished forever. On my trips back to the Burgh to visit my nephew and take in a Steelers game, when I could, I always made it a point to go visit your folks. My last memory was visiting your Dad and going down over the hill to have a couple games of horseshoes. I almost won one. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this time.

Ted McMillen

2/20/2012

To the entire Jones Family:

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Walter. Although we were separated in age by almost 60 years, Walter shared his wisdom, generosity and humility with me over the past few years. I first had the chance to work with him as part of the school's 125th anniversary celebration. As we sat and looked at boxes and boxes of pictures, it became increasingly clear that Walter had a tale for each photograph. And just as he cared about the school as a whole, his stories clearly showed that he was deeply devoted to his classes, sport teams, colleagues and individual students.

In these conversations and during some subsequent recordings we made on Shady Side's history, I was amazed at Walter's ability to accentuate the positive. Even with the normal ups and downs of a school and his career, Walter saw himself as blessed to be with such esteemed colleagues and students. Regardless of others' decisions or actions, he routinely saw the best in them. Yet, I knew I was sitting with a legend as he told these stories; he was the one that truly made this place special for 43 years (and beyond) with his integrity and spirit.

Again, please accept my condolences. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the chance to work with Walter over the past few years; he will live on as a model for me and countless others.

Best,

David Chottiner

Academy Director of Programs

2/19/2012

My father, Fred Sochatoff, was a colleague of Walter's at Shadyside in the 1940s (when he left to go to Carnegie Mellon, where he spent the rest of his academic career until his death in 1987). A few years ago I attended a Pittsburgh Symphony concert at the Hillman Center at Shadyside. At the post-concert reception,I mentioned to the headmaster that my father had taught there, and he pointed out a distinguished but friendly-looking man and said "I bet Walter Jones would remember your father." I walked over to Walter and said, "If I tell you I'm Fred Sochatoff's daughter, does that mean anything to you." He grabbed both of my hands, gave me an enormous smile, and we spent the next several minutes together. Although he hadn't seen my father for well over 50 years, he remembered him well and talked about him warmly and respectfully. Another name we had in common was their mutual colleague Charles Vorce, who was my father's best friend. Charles taught at Shadyside until his death in the mid-1960s.

I'm not sure which of us--Walter or I--was more delighted that we'd met. I think our conversation was tremendously meaningful to both of us.

I was 5 years old when my father left Shadyside, but I thought the name "Walter Jones" sounded familiar. The next day I told my sister about meeting Walter. She is 8 years older than I and, therefore, has stronger memories of the Shadyside days. She immediately recognized the name and was as thrilled as I that I'd had this encounter.

Millie Sochatoff Myers

2/19/2012

We are saddened to hear of Uncle Walt's passing. Please accept our condolences. He had such a zest for all things in his life and accomplished so much. I know he will be missed by many but his influence will continue to live on in the people he touched.

Love, Greg and Lori Jones

3/6/2012

I would like to express my appreciation for having the chance to know Walter through our joint efforts as part of the "Wednesday Morning Crew" at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. It was truly a pleasure, and I am thankful for the experiences.

Dick Dougall

3/1/2012

My deepest sympathies to the family of Walt Jones. In 1956, I was a first year dental student at Pitt and had answered an ad posted on the bulletin board in the Tuck Shop. The ad was for a telephone switchboard operator at Shadyside Academy. After an interview, I was hired by a Mr. Emmerick, and one of the first faculty members to visit me at my switchboard position was Walt Jones. We spoke briefly, during which time he told me that, when he first went to Pitt, he had considered becoming a dentist. But, of course, he went in another direction, and many people, Shadyside Academy alumni, in particular, can be thankful for that.

Walt and I chatted often after that first encounter, and although I was always treated kindly and with respect by all of the people there, Walt was special: He always wore the smile and had either a joke or something uplifting to say. During my 2 year employment, Walt invited me to his campus home for dinner on more than one occasion, where I also became better acquainted with his wife and kids, all of whom made me feel welcome and totally at ease.

Following my second year at Shadyside, I was hired to perform summer maintenance, and my cohorts were Walt and another faculty member, Jim Cavalier. We started the summer at the old Lewis estate which had been purchased by Shadyside Academy. We became painters while the renovation of the estate proceeded, and fast friends in the process. Sometime later, Walt had to leave our 3-man maintenance crew because he was also the director of a summer camp at the school, and it was about to begin. Before he left, he offered me the job (actually, I think he created it) of managing the gym, signing out all articles of recreation needed by camp attendees: basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, horse shoes...whatever.

In short, my stay at Shadyside Academy became a most memorable experience, thanks to the many wonderful people with whom I had the pleasure of interacting, faculty and students, alike. Walt, though, was a special person, and I'll always remember fondly.

May his soul rest in peace, and his memory be eternal, as it will be for me.

Sincerely,

Petro "Pat" Maropis

2/25/2012

My sincerest sympathies to the family. Tom was one of my best friends 5th grade through the Senior School. I have many fond memories of Walter Jones and the family. In recent years when I would run into Mr. Jones he would always remind me of a fishing trip I had the pleasure to go on with Tom and his dad. I feel blessed to have known Walter Jones. He will be missed.

John Wishart

2/23/2012

It is our sincere pleasure to have known Mr. & Mrs. Jones as neighbors. We met and spoke on several occasions while walking in the neighborhood and found them to be the most friendly and delightful people. Mr. Jones always had a big smile and wave as he made his daily walks. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all his family. We feel very fortunate to have had our lives touched by the blessing of Mr. & Mrs. Jones.

Glenn & Eileen Kidd

2/22/2012

I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Jones' passing. I had my admissions interview with him in 1974. He was a kind soul. Please accept my condolences as I will not be able to attend his memorial on the 3rd.

Lisa Austin

2/22/2012

My sincerest sympathy with the loss of such a wonderful man and true inspiration. I met Mr Jones so many years ago but he has touched my heart and stirred a passion that lives within me today. May he rest in peace.

Stephanie Gonzales

2/21/2012

My father Walter Schwartz and I fondly remember both Mr. and Mrs. Jones. I was privileged to have him as a history teacher and I remember my daily encounters with Mrs. Jones at the switchboard. A more dedicated couple to SSA one could not find.

Mark D. Schwartz, Class of 1971

2/21/2012

To all the members of The Walt Jones family: I've known Walt at Shady Side as a young girl and at Beechwood Farms for 29 years....an incredible man! Always friendly, hard working, a very favorite of mine over the years. I have a painting of his of the Teton Mountains and The 4 Lazy F Ranch in Jackson, Wyoming...very beautiful treasure in our home.

I send you all my deepest sympathy. I am so glad to have known him!

Betsey Beeson Owens

2/21/2012

My condolences to the family of Walter Jones. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort your hearts and make you firm in every good deed and word. 2 Thess 2:16,17

Patricia

2/20/2012

My condolences to the family of such a remarkable man. He was truly talented, beautiful, and an inspiration to us all.

S. M.

2/20/2012

My deepest sympathies go out to the Jones Family on the loss of a true gentleman and icon of SSA. I met Mr Jones back in the 60's and he was as true a gentleman as me and my family ever met.He would always have time to talk and handled everything with class and dignity. SSA has truly lost an icon. RIP Mr. Jones.

EDMOND GRANDIZIO

2/19/2012

To all of the Jones gang my deepest condolences on your Dad's /Granddad's passing. He was a wonderful, bright and talented individual who gave much to many.

My love & prayers to all of you.

Campbell Witherspoon

2/19/2012

My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jones' family and friends. May you always be blessed with fond memories of the love he shared with you.

I was fortunate to have Mr. Jones as my teacher my freshman year [1963-64] at SSA and as a lighthouse of integrity for all four years of high school.

He blessed many lives as a teacher with his knowledge and even more with the example of how he lived his life.

John Allon

2/19/2012

A true gentleman leader, coach, teacher & mentor of young men. A immense loss to all in the Shady Side Academy family. My condolences to his family.

E Martin Hecklinger

2/19/2012

Walter Jones was the true spirit of Shady Side Academy

He was a legend in his own time!

Jim Jeffries

2/19/2012

Dear Sam and family: I was saddened to read of Mr. Jones' passing. Ever since I first met him in 1969 at SSA Day Camp through the Sr. School, he was a kind role model. Please accept my condolences.

Jeff Pollock, Esq.

2/19/2012

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Jones' death. I played basketball for him in 1983-84. His fairness and kindness were an inspiration to me.

Jeffrey Reich