Peter Jones

Santa Fe, NM--Peter Jeffery Jones reached the end of a long run with Parkinson's Disease on the morning of September 23, 2020 with his sons, wife and daughter-in-law at his bedside. Jeff lived life with excited urgency and a competitive spirit.  He was often happiest in motion and was a gifted all-around athlete and adventurer. After college, he spent a year hitch-hiking around the world before teaching math in the Adirondack Region of New York.  Jeff loved challenges, games, cards and puzzles; he was also good at helping others navigate complex choices by giving straightforward advice and encouragement.  He was "the fun", charming, a pied piper and mischievous. His thoughts also ran as deep as the Champlain waters he loved to fish and his loyalty towards friends from grade school on was steadfast. 

Grass rarely grew under "Jonesey's" feet and he left the Adirondacks for law school, ultimately becoming a Defense Attorney in New Mexico where he met and married Ernestine Garcia.  Together they raised two sons, Christopher and Jeremy, who were imbued with their parents’ curiosity, zest for life and love of the outdoors.  During his thirty years practicing law, Jeff was a true advocate for the poor and disadvantaged both as a Public Defender and in private practice.  

Parkinson’s Disease was not a challenge Jeff faced easily.  His life’s toolbox was his body--with it he could run a problem into the ground, chop enough wood to exorcise anger or swim several miles to vanquish disappointment.  His spirit was overwhelmed by the disease that overcame his physical abilities.  He loved the life he had had fiercely; but more than anything, he loved his family who saw him through his most troubled times and who worked diligently to care for him at home.  Finally, Jeff laid his burden down and, with his family, by his side, he let go of “Jeff who has Parkinson’s” and became “Jeff, laughing boy, running man and free spirit” once again.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, John and Charlotte Jones. He is survived by his wife, Ernestine, and sons, Christopher and Jeremy Jones (Christina) and by his siblings, Jeremy (Tracy), Christopher (MaryBeth), Charlotte (Daniel), Jennifer (Greg) as well as nieces and nephews.

 A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.