Bryce Joseph Jones Ii

Bryce Joseph Jones II, 70, of Kirksville, husband of Joan Chapman Jones, died Aug. 20 at University Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born Aug. 17, 1949, in Omaha, NB, to the late Bryce J Jones, Sr. and Eileen Schaecher Jones. He graduated from Rockhurst H.S. in Kansas City in 1966, and earned Bachelor’s degrees in both Philosophy and Economics from the Univ of Kansas, Lawrence, KS. On Dec. 29, 1970 he married Joan Chapman in Wilmette, IL. Later they moved to Wisconsin, where he earned both a PhD in Philosophy and a JD from the Univ of Wisconsin-Madison. He began his career at Northeast MO State University (now Truman State Univ) in 1977, teaching Business Law, until his retirement in 2014.

Bryce loved his life as a Truman professor, and his students enjoyed his use of interesting case law to enhance his classes. That, combined with his sharp wit and sense of humor, made him a favorite of many students on campus. He received the “Golden Apple Award” in 2008, recognizing him a valued and appreciated educator and mentor to students. Bryce was involved in committee work at Truman, most notably Undergraduate Council, which he chaired from 1991-1995, and Faculty Senate, serving as President from 2003-2005. One unusual achievement was the enlistment of his students to write a Business Law textbook for use in his classes. Being able to use this homegrown text saved the students money, which was one of his goals. Bryce had many professional papers published and presented at Business Law conventions over the years.

Bryce was an active member of Mary Immaculate Church, serving on the Parish Council, as well as being lector and minister to the sick. He loved the town of Kirksville, and served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the Community Betterment Committee. In 1983 he was honored to receive the State of Mo Governor’s Leadership Award largely for his work to pass a law forming a library district in Adair CO, followed a year later by a levy which made the Adair Co Public Library a reality.

Bryce was an avid sports fan, having been brought up by an avid sports fan father. From season to season, he closely watched and enjoyed his favorite teams, the Royals, Chiefs, UW Badgers, KU Jayhawks, and Truman State Bulldogs. In 2015, his daughter took him to the victory parade of the World Series Champion KC Royals in Kansas City.

Sports took up a lot of hobby time, but Bryce was also an avid reader, enjoying mysteries and science fiction books. He enjoyed playing board games with his grandchildren and teasing them about who was the “real” winner. Joan and Bryce loved to travel, especially to places of historical significance, and enjoyed many trips together over the span of their marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, daughter Carolyn Otten (Liam) of University City, MO, son Greg Jones (Katie) of Georgetown, MA, and son Bryce Jones III (Amber) of Columbia, MO. Also surviving are sister, Claire Stevenson (Randall) of Leawood, KS, and brother, Karl Jones (Deborah) of Brownsville, OR. Sisters and brothers- in- law surviving on his wife’s side include Jerry Chapman (Louella), Jill Eastman (Harvey), Janet Chapman, and Jack Chapman (Karen). Precious grandchildren include Meredith and Sofia Otten, Ginny Mulders, Alayna Jones, and Emrys Jones. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday (August 25, 2019) with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday (August 26, 2019) at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Cremation will follow the service and Interment will be at a later date in Mary Immaculate Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Truman State Univ Scholarship Foundation, Adair County Public Library, or Mary Immaculate School.