Beloved Alum and Faculty Member Fred Jones Passes Away

It saddens the Simpson community to share that beloved alum and faculty member, Fred Jones ’66, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.

Fred came to Simpson in 1962 as a freshman with his twin brother, Floyd, and graduated with the class of 1966. While a student at Simpson, Fred was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, played football and was a member of the track team. After graduating from Simpson, Fred pursued a master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Iowa and completed his Ph.D. in the Sociology of Deviant Behavior Program at Mississippi State University.

In 1970, Dr. Jones joined the Simpson College faculty, where he marked a 50-year career as a criminologist and was vital in establishing the undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs at Simpson College. Twice honored with Simpson’s Distinguished Teaching Award, he also received the Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award, Double S Award and the Dick Buxton Award for his achievements and service to Simpson College and the surrounding community. He was a valued faculty member and mentor to many students, faculty and staff.

There will be a celebration of life gathering for Fred from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, in the Matthew Simpson Room of College Hall. Light food will be served, and Fred’s family will be available to receive guests during this come-and-go, informal time. To read about Fred’s remarkable life, family, and service, please, see the obituary posted at Overton Funeral Homes.