Robert Howard Jones

Robert “Bob” Howard Jones, MD was born December 9, 1940 in Kansas City, KS and died January 26, 2022 in Durham, NC of post-COVID pneumonia and dementia. Bob lived 81 years as an extraordinary and optimistic person of faith. Bob is survived by his wife and soulmate of 56 years, Catherine Ann Peters Jones. His life and legacy live on in his children: Julie Anne King, of Waco, Texas, Natalie (John) Beyer, of Durham, NC, and David (Brittany) Jones of Durham, NC and eight beloved grandchildren, Adam Nicholas Beyer, Luke Andrew Beyer, Elizabeth Grace Beyer, Dylan James King, Andrew Grayson King, Carson Alexander Jones, Gavin Fitzgerald Jones and Iris Marie Jones. Bob was born into a home filled with women and learned servant leadership from his mother, older sisters, and a host of extended family members. His life was shaped by the care and love of his older sisters, Doris Lee (Ron) Bever (Edmond, OK) and Rose Marie Rice (Murphy, TX) and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members. Bob was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Alice Jones. Bob graduated from Harding College in Searcy, AR in 1961 and from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1965. He started his life-long career of healing hearts as a cardiothoracic surgeon at Duke University Medical Center in 1965, a vocation that continued until he retired in 2014 as the Mary and Deryl Hart Professor of Surgery. Bob was supported by his incomparable staff assistant Vanessa Moore for more than 30 years. His love of education inspired a career training countless medical students and residents who continue his legacy of compassionate care globally. His passions were numerous, spanning travel, singing, architecture, family time at the beach, and water gardens. He saw his life as an expression of his love of God and for others. He served and worshiped with his church family at Cole Mill Road Church of Christ and supported churches around the world. A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. with a celebration of life planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5 at the Cole Mill Road Church of Christ in Durham, NC. All COVID health safety protocols will be followed and full vaccination is encouraged. The service will be livestreamed by the church. The family expresses deep appreciation to the amazing caregivers and staff of the Magnolia and Pavillion Health Centers at Croasdaile Village in Durham and the compassionate staff at Charles House in Chapel Hill, NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Charles House Association via their website https://charleshouse.org, in support of their work with therapeutic eldercare, or the charity of your choice.