Marion University - Marionette Yearbook (Marion, IN)

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IN MEMORIAM A. JONES 1855 — 1933

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ORDER OF BOOKS COLLEGE Administration Classes COLLEGE LIFE Activities Campustry

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Marion College mourns the loss of Professor A. Jones, who on April 10, 1933, left on the long journey to claim the reward of a well-lived life. Farewell tribute was paid him in an appealing ceremony held in the College chapel on April 13th. The sincere sorrow in evidence revealed the high position he had gained in the hearts of his former students and other friends, who had assembled with bowed heads and touched hearts to do their last bit in sending him to his Creator. Professor Jones came to Marion and began his teaching career in 1890. He was associated with the old Normal College until the present administration took over the College, and since then he has officiated as Head of Normal School, Dean of College, and Acting President, whenever necessity arose. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him; unwavering consistency was his. Marion College students can never forget the stimulus of his chapel talks, when he emphasized the necessity of conscientious, steady work. At the beginning of each term, he would always make this query— Have you signed up for a full load?—if you have, put a full-blooded, healthy American be¬ hind it and keep working until the end of the term has come—don ' t ' frazzle ' out. One of his last bits of wit was occasioned by the heavy rains at the beginning of the last term of work. He made this announcement— if anyone wishes to sign up for swimming—we ' ll furnish the water. Professor Jones was so filled with an undying desire to be of service to others that we can say— This is A. Jq i ' Coronation Day. In giving light to others, he himself was burned away. » —Associate Editor. In the midst of the activities of a busy school year, Marion College has been called upon to pause and pay her final loving tribute to one who has contributed his life to Marion College. More than forty years ago, A. Jones began his service in the Marion Normal College, then located at 38th Street. Within a few years he came with it to the Old Triangle,” where he participated in the construction of the present buildings. When this institution was sold and moved to another community, he organized the Marion Normal Institute and served as its president for a period of years. Then, when Marion College was organized and chartered as a Liberal Arts institution, he remained as head of the Normal Department. During his service to Marion College he served as teacher, dean and acting president. That A. Jones was a constructive administrator, the Old Triangle bears mute testimony. That he was a master teacher, more than fifteen thousand students, who have sat in his classes and since scattered to the ends of the earth, will affirm. That he was a Christian gentleman, will be questioned by no one who was permitted to observe his unperturbed spirit in the midst of either storm or calm. That he was a loyal friend, will be remembered by all who have known him within the seventy-eight years of his eventful life. That he will be missed, is the thought uppermost in the minds of all of us who are forced to realize that we shall never again see him within the halls of Marion College. Professor Jones exemplified in his own life the virtues he urged upon others. How well do we remember his admonitions to work; he carried his load to almost four-score years and stopped only when necessity compelled that he be assisted from his class room to his home, and within a few days he was gone. His last message to Marion College was that we must go forward, and, with memory of both his advice and example, we shall resolutely turn our faces to the future and attempt to project the idealism and influence of our beloved dean on down through the years. Wm. F. McConn, President Marion College. I would ask the sad privilege of adding a word of tribute to the memory of Professor A. Jones of our community and Marion College, whose life has been filled with successful effort to advance ed¬ ucation and higher human standards in our state. The lament of the Prophet who was King in Jerusalem that Man goeth to his Heavenly home and the mourners go about the streets, finds an echo in the saddened hearts of hundreds of those in all walks of life who knew him as an educator and a fine, public-spirited citizen. The sentiment of Professor Jones ' countless friends was well-worded recently when a fellow edu¬ cator said, He knows the values of time and the rewards of working. Not to destroy, but to create, was his purpose in the world of education. While Marion College has lost a great friend and Indiana has lost a fine citizen and educator, the memory of his life of en¬ deavor will rest with his friends for years to come, and will be a part of them. When Time, the healer, has dulled the agony of loss, and when memory becomes a solace and a pride, we, who knew him and his works, will realize, even more than we do today, the value of his life to us. M. Clifford Townsend, Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. Once more the Grim Reaper has taken from our midst one of our most beloved and trusted friends, Professor A. Jones, long prominently identified in the state as an outstanding educator. His death comes as a profound shock to all who have been associated with him in this field. It has been my great privilege to have known Mr. Jones for many years. I have been a student in many of his classes, and always he was an inspiration to me to do more and better work. He was always interested in the welfare of the youth of this country, and labored tirelessly to advance the cause of education. His legion of friends can be counted by his acquaintances. Professor Jones always had an optimistic outlook on life and was a believer in the Golden Rule. He was held in highest regard by all, and the inestimable good he has done will live in the hearts of all who have had the opportunity of coming in contact with this great man. All had a profound respect for his judgment and advice and a sincere trust in his honesty and integrity. I am sure I express the sentiment of the teaching profession when I extend our deepest sympathy to the family in the passing of this wonderful husband and father. I have indeed lost an inspirational teacher, a trusted advisor and a very dear friend. Fred Ratliff. Grant County Superintendent of Schools.