Remembering: Jerry Jones, M.D.

Jerry Jones, M.D., an emeritus faculty member in the UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology, died Feb. 14 at the age of 86.









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Jerry Jones, M.D.
Dr. Jones was an intern and had two years of surgical training at the University of Michigan hospital, and then served as a captain in the burn unit at the Brook Army Medical Hospital before finding his passion for pathology. He completed his residency in pathology at UNMC and joined the faculty as a surgical pathologist. He developed special expertise in microbiology and dermatopathology and was the first to report an algae infection in a human.

During Dr Jones’ 53-year career at UNMC he became the first board-certified forensic pathologist in Nebraska, which led to a modernization of the field throughout the state.

While on the faculty he received multiple teaching awards from the medical students and residents.

See Dr. Jones’ obituary in the Omaha World-Herald

He did groundbreaking research on shaken baby syndrome, lecturing on this subject in the U.S. and overseas, including in Vienna and at Trinity College in Dublin.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Jones played fullback at Yale University.

“Jerry was an outstanding pathologist, educator, and a wonderful person, supportive of the department and the College of Medicine,” said colleague Sam Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. “He had a passion for his work, for his family and for his golf. It was a pleasure to work with him.”

“Jerry was a superb pathologist, both clinical and anatomic. He also did excellent forensic pathology,” said colleague James Newland, M.D. “Dr. Jones was beloved by his residents. He was an outstanding, respected teacher and scholar. Jerry had an astute, experienced eye in surgical pathology and a deep knowledge of mycology. Practicing pathology with residents was a joy for him. Dr. Jones had the respect of laboratory personnel and administrative staff. We all thought highly of him.”

“I continue to hear from former residents who were greatly impacted by Dr. Jones who influenced their decision to become forensic pathologists. His legacy will continue in the many people he mentored and trained,” said Steven Hinrichs, M.D., department chair.

Memorials can be sent to the family at:

Elizabeth Jones and family
1636 South 187th Circle
Omaha, NE 68130-2809

3 comments

  1. David Finken says:

    During my medical school training at UNMC, Dr. Jones was a superstar educator amongst a department of excellent educators in pathology. His talks and exhibits regarding forensic pathology were some of the best I experienced at UNMC. His enthusiasm and passion for education were unrivaled.

  2. Valerie Gunderson says:

    Very sad news. I worked in the Pathology Department for over 15 years and saw Dr. Jones on a daily basis. He was very well respected for his expertise by all. He was truly a humble man with a kind and gentle soul. As the saying goes, "they just don't make them like that any more".

    Valerie Gunderson

  3. Dwight Jones says:

    Jerry was indeed a great person. I'm glad I had the chance to know him as a medical student and resident. He never appeared to be in a hurry and always had time to teach and discuss any issue(s). He gave me a lot of good personal advice as I worked my way though medical school and residency at UNMC. He was for sure, a Life very well lived.

    Dwight Jones

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