Hugh John Morris Jones, lll

Hugh John Morris Jones, III (Pop Pop), of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024. He was 79.

Hugh was the loving husband of Betsy Saunders Jones for 54 years. He leaves to cherish many good memories, his daughters, Brandom J. Price (Mitch), of Walla Walla, Washington, and Caroline J. Pheeney (Douglas), of Redding, Connecticut, and his dearly loved grandchildren, Keeler Pheeney, Tyler Pheeney, Catherine Pheeney, and Logan Price, all of whom he adored. He also leaves his brothers and sister, Richard Jones, Jay Jones, and Marcy Jones. 

Born in Watertown, New York, on June 8, 1944, two days after his father landed in Normandy on D-Day, Hugh’s father got a kick out of referring to him as “D plus 2.” He grew up in Montpelier, Vermont, and enjoyed telling his grandchildren stories of football, snow, and going maple sugaring in the Spring. He moved south to attend VMI in Lexington where he continued playing football, and then Washington and Lee Law School, where he began his life-long love of rugby.

Hugh and Betsy were married in August 1969, and their life together was full of family, fun, adventure, and good friends.

Hugh served as a captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps from 1969 to 1974. He and Betsy lived in Germany for four years, and then in Tacoma, Washington for a year, while in the Army, during which time they traveled extensively, enjoying many adventures together. Hugh especially loved back-packing out West, skiing with good friends and family, and relaxing bike rides at Virginia Beach. 

Hugh and Betsy moved back to Lynchburg in 1974 where he began the practice of law, eventually opening a solo practice that encompassed everything from criminal defense to real estate law. He retired from Jones, Johnston and White in 2023.

A true patriot, Hugh believed strongly in the Constitution and the rule of law, always participating in LCS middle schools on “Law Day.” As an attorney, he was commonly known to be thoughtful, practical, compassionate, and kind. He generously mentored many young attorneys in Lynchburg throughout his career. His family often relied on his honest and solid judgement. 

Hugh was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He served on numerous boards over the years, including Westminster-Canterbury and President of the Board of the Anne Spencer House. He actively participated with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Lynchburg Rugby Club. 

A visitation for friends will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m, at Hugh and Betsy’s home.

A celebration of Hugh’s life will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1215 VES Road, Lynchburg, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to First Presbyterian Church, the D-Day National Memorial, or a charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Whenever you hike in the mountains, ski down a powder slope, bike down an easy road, or relax on a beach, please remember your gentle, thoughtful friend.