On Saturday, March 29, just days after Fashion Stars For A Cause benefiting the Suicide and Crisis Center, SC&CNT founder Dr. Cliff Jones died at the age of 94 of natural causes. He lived an amazing life. He wrote for the Dallas Times Herald. He served as a Marine Lt. Colonel in World War II. He was a clinical psychologist holding numerous leadership positions. He worked with his father as a furrier. He was even an independent pine-tree farmer.
Among his many accomplishments, the psychologist was organizing chair for the S&CC back in 1966. Cliff once explained that, while he had never personally been touched by suicide, he felt there was a “need back in the 60’s to address the issue that had been in the shadows.”
It was obvious from the constant smile and twinkle in his eyes that were so at home on his face that Cliff loved life. His commitment, leadership and example helped countless others to embrace the beauty of living and overcome the nightmare of suicide.
According to Cliff, “suicide represents man’s most extreme state of personal crisis, generally the most frightening possibility that professional people-helpers face in dealing with emotionally disturbed persons. But suicide also is the ultimate threat to parents who want so to help their children manage the risky issues of growing up. We have much to learn about helping people talk out their inner struggles instead of losing hope and destroying themselves.”
A celebration of Cliff’s life will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Our sincere condolences to his wife of 65 years Mardi Bryant Jones, their family, friends and those who have been touched by his efforts.