Dr. Timothy Ray Jones, 70, passed away on May 1st at his home. Born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 30, 1952, Dr. Jones had a congenital heart defect that required cutting-edge surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of six. After relocating with family to Huntsville in 1961, he graduated from Lee High School in 1971 and UAH in 1975 with a degree in history.
Dr. Jones became a Juvenile Probation Officer for Madison County from 1978-1979. He obtained a master’s degree through Auburn University at Montgomery in Justice and Public Safety. In 1983, Dr. Jones obtained a doctorate from Auburn University in Adult and Vocational Education with emphasis on police and safety roles and training. He was awarded “Graduate Student of the Year” by the Southern Association of Criminal Justice Educators. He was also appointed to Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Political Science and later Associate Professor and Coordinator of Justice Studies and Public Safety Administration from 1983-1985 at Auburn University.
Dr. Jones joined the Athens State University faculty in 1985 where he was named assistant professor of justice studies and public safety administration. He became an assistant dean in Athens State’s School of Arts and Sciences. He later again became assistant professor of justice studies and public safety administration until his retirement in 2011. In 2002 he won the Loraine B. Pabst “Commitment to Teaching” Award and the Athens State University Justice Club “Teacher of a Lifetime” Award for 2000-2002. He helped establish one of the largest justice studies program in the state. He was commended for his initiative in founding the Historic Tree Project on the ASU campus.
During his tenure, Dr. Jones became an instructor and training coordinator for the Alabama Marine Police Academy, Huntsville Police Academy, a voluntary Public Informant Officer for Limestone County EMA and a guest lecturer at Southern Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, sponsored by the FBI. He also trained and conducted training with the Canadian Royal Mounties. He completed additional studies in Fire Science from Memphis State, Auburn University, and Alabama State Fire College through Calhoun Community College. He published numerous articles, books, journals, and training manuals. He served as an advisory board member of the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee in the northern district of Alabama. He was a curriculum committee member in the state of Alabama’s Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. He also served as president of the Alabama Association of Criminal Justice Educators.
Tim was a deacon and member of First Baptist Church Madison. He resided in Limestone County. He was predeceased by his wife of 34 years, Linda D. Jones, parents, Robert and Doris Jones, and brother, Samuel R. Jones. He is survived by sister, Martha Stanford (Cal), numerous special cousins, nieces, and one nephew.
The family would like to thank Dr. Barry Rayburn, cardiologist, Dr. Phillip Lainey, cardiologist and Dr. Diego Bedoya, oncologist; caretakers Tracy, Christine, Desmond, Gloria, Morgan, Velbra, Bertha and Affinity Hospice; and special neighbors Debra and Tessa Crawford.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 11:00 at First Baptist Church Madison, 4257 Sullivan Street, Madison, Alabama 35758.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to Dr. Tim’s legacy project, “The Tim and Linda Jones Memorial Prayer Garden” via First Baptist Church Madison.
