Joseph Martin Jones

Joseph Martin Jones was born November 3, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to SAG-AFTRA executive Raymond Jones and radio voice-over actress Eloise Kummer Jones, and raised in Evanston and Skokie, where he began a lifelong journey defined by purpose, integrity, and heart.

As a young boy, Joe discovered an early love for athletics that would stay with him throughout his life. He played football, hockey, basketball, and baseball, quickly earning a reputation as a natural competitor and loyal teammate.

At Evanston Township High School, Joe was a dedicated multi-sport athlete, playing football and lacrosse under legendary coach Murney Lazier, whose mentorship left a lasting impact. He was named to both the Suburban League and Chicago Tribune All-Star Football Teams in 1965, recognizing his leadership and talent on the field.

Joe went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he walked on to the football team as a linebacker. His perseverance and work ethic stood out, and in his senior year, newly appointed head coach Bo Schembechler awarded him a scholarship and a place on the historic 1969 Big Ten Championship team, remembered for its stunning upset over Ohio State. That season embodied Schembechler’s timeless motto — “Those who stay will be champions” — a sentiment Joe carried with him throughout his life.

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1970, Joe spent a year as a VISTA Volunteer in New Hampshire, providing free legal aid to local residents — an experience that reflected his sincere belief in fairness and service to others. He shared countless stories with his children about his cases and resilient clients, many of which he kept in touch with for years after his time in New Hampshire.

Joe earned his Juris Doctorate at Suffolk University Law School, and began a long and distinguished legal career. He served three years with Legal Aid in New Haven, Connecticut, advocating for individuals and families in need before joining the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Tax Division-Criminal Section. After several years of public service, Joe entered private practice at Schwalb, Donnenfeld, Bray & Silbert, and was named a partner in 1999.

Joe earned a Master’s in Tax and International Law from George Washington University in 1981, further deepening his expertise and commitment to the principles of justice and good governance. Joe also dedicated part of his career to advancing the rule of law abroad. Through the American Bar Association’s Central and Eastern European Law Initiative, he worked with emerging democracies in the former Soviet Bloc to help establish constitutional and legal frameworks rooted in justice, fairness, and democratic values.

Joe continued his lifelong mission to strengthen justice and governance, serving as Director of the Rule of Law with both the DOJ and Department of Defense during the reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in helping rebuild legal institutions and promote stability in post-conflict regions. He retired from DOJ in August 2025.

Above all, Joe was a devoted father. He was a constant presence at his daughter Eve’s theater performances and his son Ben’s football games and track meets, always cheering them on with pride and joy. During Ben and Eve’s childhood, Joe was known in their neighborhood for organizing the game of “Man Hunt”. All the neighborhood kids would gather around his blue mini-van where he would count down from 30, triggering a game of hide-and-go-seek-tag that had all the kids running through the streets and yards of their special block before he could tag them.

Joe invented the character Monsieur Jacques to entertain Eve and Ben when they were very young. Clad in a colorful hat, scarf and string of pearls and speaking in a strong French accent, Jacques would regale the children with stories of his mystical adventures before pretending to disappear into thin air.

Their shared love of make believe and music never stopped. Joe was always ready to jump into an impromptu dance party or sing along with Eve and Ben. During their annual train trip to Evanston, Joe and the children would spend the ride eating chocolate chip cookies and making up playful rhymes and songs that involved all of their names.

Joe regularly visited Ben and Eve at their respective colleges, to attend sporting events, a capella performances and parent council meetings. He traveled to the United Kingdom, Cambodia and Spain during their studies and careers abroad, always there to support and cheer them on. His love and encouragement were the heartbeat of his family.

Outside of his professional life, Joe was a man of wide interests and deep passions. He had a lifelong love of music in all its forms, from singing in choirs and school productions at Evanston Township High School to performing at the University of Michigan. A man of faith, he was actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during his college years and remained guided throughout his life by his belief in God and service to others. An athlete to his core, Joe never lost his competitive spirit. He participated in Marine Corps and New York City Marathons, Chicago Triathlons, and organized flag football games on the fields around the Lincoln Memorial for many years.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Raymond and Eloise Jones, his adored grandmother, Clara Kummer, and his loyal dog and companion, Jack. He is survived by his loving children, Eve and Ben Jones; his dear friend and co-parent Susan Neely; his cherished sister, Amanda Jones; friend and brother-in-law, Dan Hartnett; devoted nephew and fellow University of Michigan alumnus, Arthur Hartnett; former brother-in-law and friend, Robert Neely; his dear god-daughter, Briar Golden, and many cousins.

Throughout his life, Joe embodied the principles he believed in: justice, integrity, generosity, and love. He devoted his career to upholding the Constitution of the United States of America and the rule of law. He was guided by a strong moral compass, and his generosity was legendary — to his family, friends, and the many causes he supported.

A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, December 14, 1:00 p.m., at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Michigan’s Champion Fund, in support of football athletes, and the American Civil Liberties Union to honor his lifelong dedication to justice, service, and community.