Emory Passings

Boisfeuillet Jones, the man whose name graces Emory’s Boisfeuillet Jones Center, died July 18. He had recently fallen at his Atlanta home and slipped into a coma. He was 88.

“Boisfeuillet Jones was a great citizen of Atlanta and an extraordinary participant in the life of Emory University,” said President Bill Chace. “His seven decades of association with Emory—as an exemplary student, innovative administrator, and wise trustee—have made Emory a far better place. Our community has been immeasurably blessed by his ironic spirit, and we will miss him.
Jones’ relationship with Emory dates back before World War II. He graduated from Emory College

in 1934 and from the law school three years later. From 1946 to 1960, Jones served as an assistant professor of political science, dean of administration and vice president of health services.

After leaving Emory, Jones turned his attention toward philanthropic organizations.

From 1964 to 1988, Jones was president of the Emily and Ernest Woodruff and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundations, and during that time the foundations gave the University $105 million—one of the largest gifts to any educational institution at the time. The Woodruff Foundations among are the many he led throughout his life.

“He was one of the most important people in the second half of the 20th century at the University,” said Provost Woody Hunter. “He was responsible for building much of the modern Emory.”

"Emory has lost one of its most beloved sons," said William Fox, senior vice president for Institutional Advancement. "Boisfeuillet Jones was a tremendous benefactor and a great friend to the University. His contributions to philanthropy in Atlanta were unparalleled. On a personal level, I also feel as if I have lost a member of my family; Boisfeuillet meant that much to my wife Carol and me."

To honor Jones, University flags flew at half-mast July 19–20.