I knew Ted when I was a law student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.  He was Class of 1984 and I was Class of 1986.

No doubt Ted had a great sense of humor.  An example:

Ted edited a student newsletter called "The Advance Sheet", which surveyed new cases that had come down from the TN Supreme Court as well as the TN Court of Appeals.  Ted would always close the letter with the following advice:  "If you're not getting 55s, you're not advancing!"  Where Ted was concerned, all a law student really needed as a grade was a 55, or a D, which means you'll advance and graduate.  Then you can learn how to practice law.

I knew Ted briefly when I graduated and passed the TN bar exam.  We were on the same floor in the same building (100 N. Main).  I would see him occasionally in the hall and exchange pleasantries.  I never tried a case with or against him, so I have to defer to others who knew of his skill in the courtroom.

I'm sincerely sorry to learn of Ted's passing.  I hope that his memory will be a blessing to his family and friends in the years to come.

To Ted “s  family and my friend Karen; my deepest condolences  for you’ll lost. A hug all the way from Texas.  love you and miss you Karen; Millie

I was so sad to hear that Memphis Attorney Ted I. Jones passed away. There are probably very few members of the Memphis Bar that do not have stories to tell about their encounters with Ted. He was one of a kind. Sometimes referred to as the attorney of last resort, he would often agree to represent folks that other attorneys did not want to take on. He always addressed his clients with kindness and respect. He uh had a marvelous gift of stall and was somehow able to have attorneys and Judges agree to give him and his clients just a bit more time, with a smile. His sense of humor and quick wit were notorious. Crossing paths with Ted was always memorable. Sometimes exasperating. I think he was probably more surprised at the things he was able get away with than opposing counsel. I loved reading his posts, laughing at the pictures he posted asking for the funniest caption, and the eulogies he wrote for members of the Memphis Bar that went before him. Not only did Ted make Memphis and the Courts a better place, he made them a funner place.

We are all heartbroken and stunned by the loss of Ted I. Jones.

To know Ted was to love Ted. He was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met. I absolutely loved his sense of humor. His dry wit and big belly laughs always made our time together so enjoyable. He and I had so many inside jokes that, no matter how many times we brought them up, we would laugh until we cried. He was such a joy to be around.

Although he married into my wife’s side of the family about 10 years ago, he loved us all as if we were his own, especially Olivia and Reece. Birthdays, ballgames, recitals, family gatherings, graduations, he was always there, even though he never had to be. We all thought the world of him.

Some of my favorite memories with Ted are from our annual Fall Break trips to Orange Beach. I was so looking forward to going back with him and Karen this October. I don’t think those trips will ever be the same without him.

Even in the midst of our grief, I rejoice in knowing that Ted is healed and at home with Jesus. I also rejoice in the promise that one day I’ll see him again.

Until then, I love you and miss you, Ted.

Dear Karen,
I wish I could tell you how deeply sorry I am for your loss, but it is hard to find the right words to describe the sorrow. I can just hold you hand and keep telling you I am here for you.  

Irina

Over the past 10 years, Ted became such a cherished part of our lives. He was the kind of man who always made time for the people he loved (and the people he didn’t love too). He would patiently play chess with Reece, happily carry on long conversations with him, play mini golf with the kids, and faithfully show up for Olivia’s dance recitals and games. He was simply always there.

As I looked through my pictures tonight, I realized I don’t have many of him because he was usually the one in the background. That’s who he was dependable, patient, kind, and generous.

But what I’ll remember most is his laugh. His deep, contagious belly laugh was the best. On our family vacations, there was always an unspoken competition to see who could make Uncle Ted laugh the hardest. Chad or Reece usually won. Those moments will forever be some of my favorite memories.

The greatest comfort we have is knowing that Uncle Ted loved the Lord with all his heart. I can only imagine him in heaven today, whole and joyful, laughing with Jesus.

We already miss him.

Aunt Karen, Asher, and Ted-
 bday dinner 2025

“He was always there.” Every birthday celebration, every holiday, and all of the sweet moments in between—he showed up. His presence was constant, his kindness unwavering, and his love was felt in the simple act of being there.

The world feels a little quieter without him, but we will always be grateful for the memories we shared and the countless ways he made our lives brighter. He will be deeply missed.

Ted was a loyal board memberof the Shelby County Law Library who always showed up—heart and all. He had a gift for lightening the room with just the right remark, reminding us that joy and purpose go hand in hand. We will miss his steady presence, whether he was handling business, cracking us up with his quick wit and self-deprecating humor, or simply strolling through, humming along.

first cousins meeting for the second time, 2023 Memphis. We were both born in 1959.
Special moment for me. Very glad we had that opportunity to meet, again.
Thankful for the stories we shared.
My thoughts are with all Ted’s family.
Vance Jones

first cousins meeting for the first time
1965 in PA , I am sitting across the table from Ted and Mark. Our fathers were brothers.

I will always remember and miss Ted. He was a board member of the Charles Perkins Governmental Law Library and he was extremely supportive of me in my position as director. He always added  a touch of humor to discussions.

Dear Karen,  
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ted. Y’all made a beautiful couple. He was always kind and friendly to us. We will miss his sweet smile. We are praying the Lord will give you His peace and strength through this difficult time.
We love you very much,
 Nora and David Goolsby

I am so very sorry to learn of Ted’s death. Unfortunately, I will be out of the city next week. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Judge Latta

OBITUARY

Ted I. Jones

July 6, 1959 – July 29, 2026

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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Gathering of Friends and Family with food and fellowship

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