It is with great sadness that Georgetown Prep reports the passing of Headmaster Jeffrey L. Jones.
Jeff, 61, passed away surrounded by friends and family on Saturday, June 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Jeff suffered from serious health issues over the past year, and he had a mechanical heart installed this past spring while he waited for a heart transplant.
In May 2015, Jeff announced his retirement as Headmaster effective at the end of the 2015-2016 academic year. Unfortunately, in December, Jeff was hospitalized and transported to Los Angeles.
Jeff served Georgetown Prep for two decades, including the last nine years as Headmaster. In his role as Headmaster, he took the School's curriculum and academic profile to new heights while hiring many outstanding faculty members. He stood as a role model for our student body, developing lasting personal relationships with hundreds of our young men over the years.
For a year and a half, Jeff served as acting president. He graciously accepted this additional responsibility and kept Prep on a steady course during a time of transition. Jeff served as an administrator in various capacities at the School since his arrival in 1998, including seven years as Prep's Dean of Students.
Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Georgetown Prep's president, said, "In October, I had the privilege of presenting Jeff with the Insignis Medal- Prep's highest honor. Insignis is the Latin word for "exceptional," and an entirely apt descriptor of Jeff. Jeff exemplified in extraordinary ways Georgetown Preparatory School's highest ideals and aspirations."
Gregory Dyson '76, chairman of Georgetown Prep's Board of Trustees, added, "For 20 years Jeff Jones touched the lives of hundreds of young men and their families here at Georgetown Prep. He embodied truly a man for others. From the classroom to the ball fields and in the arts his support and mentorship was ever present. On behalf of the members of the Board of Trustees, I extend condolences to Jeff's family and our prayers at this time."
Jeffrey Lynn Jones Memorial Service
Saturday, July 16 at 1:00 p.m.
Loyola High School of Los Angeles
Clougherty Chapel in Ruppert Hall
1901 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
A reception will be held immediately following the service at Xavier Hall (across the lawn from the Chapel).
In lieu of purchasing flowers for the service, the family asks that a one-time donation be made to the Jeffrey Lynn Jones Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior at Jeffrey's alma mater, Junípero Serra High School, based on qualifications that align with Jeff's ethos. Please send checks to the following address:
Junipero Serra High
Development Department
14830 S. Van Ness Avenue
Gardena, CA 90249
Georgetown Prep will gather as a community at a later date to celebrate Jeff's life.
Please pray for Jeff, his wife Jenny, and son, Jeffrey, during this difficult time.
Saints of God, come to his aid!
Hasten to meet him angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.