Introduction to The Robert Walter Jones J.D. Library and Archive

Robert Walter Jones (October 5, 1930- February 26, 1998) was an American (Ohio) attorney, politician, law professor, U.S. Army Major, Methodist, civil rights litigator and environmentalist. As an attorney he served in public capacities in Northeastern Ohio as a Legal Aid Public Defender, United States Attorney, and City of Cleveland attorney. Contents Early life Career Legacy References and Notes

Early life

Jones was born in Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio. Before college, Jones lived in rural Paris Township, Portage County, Ohio, (between the Cleveland and Warren-Youngstown Metro areas) and attended local schools. His family called him Bobby or Bob. His Welsh forebears had arrived in the U.S.A. in the early to mid-1800’s and all of his grandparents were born in the United States. He attended the local Congregational Church, of Welsh heritage, and lived in a close-knit community. His family encouraged him in poetry, song and theater since his maternal grandmother Dora Griffith’s great-uncle was John Ceiriog Hughes, the famed Welsh lyric poet and musicologist.1 This was a source of conversation with his political mentor Robert Hughes.2

He and his parents lived on the farm of his grandparents, Walter and Dora. All his life, he annually attended the Griffith Reunion. In 1950, the local newspaper wrote: “Those Welsh are filling up their stomachs today at Walt Griffith’s Farm. Bob Jones, the president, says the appetites are bigger than ever this year.”3 2 He took piano lessons from his cousin down the road and played cornet in the All-County band.4 He earned high school letters in basketball and played on baseball teams.5 The family radio was usually tuned to the Cleveland Indians when they were playing, Jones was a delegate to Farm Bureau Co-operative Youth Conferences.6 He played the lead, Tom Sawyer, in his junior year high school play,7and acted in the Senior Play.8 As a high school senior, Ohio University awarded him Honorable Mention in the State-Wide Ohio History, Ohio Government and Citizenship Examination, and he attended a special ceremony in Athens, Ohio.9 He was ranked highest in Portage County in the senior scholarship test.10 And he ranked first in the District in American History, Chemistry, Social Studies, Physics, World History and English.11

Career

Jones was awarded a Freshman Scholarship at Ohio University and subsequently was granted upper class scholarships based on his Freshman performance. He had a 3.8 average.12 He enrolled in R.O.T.C. As a junior he was named to the class honor list, ranked in the top 10% of his class.13 He did honors work in the field of History and Politics and wrote a thesis on geopolitical factors in twentieth-century Germany. He spent two years after college graduation as an officer in U.S. Army Active Duty at Fort Benning, Georgia. On April 5th, 1954, he was appointed Reserve Commissioned Officer grade of First Lieutenant in the Army of the United States by President Dwight Eisenhauer.

Jones subsequently graduated from Western Reserve School of Law in 1957. He was named “Student of the Year” by the Student Bar Association, and had been a member of the board of the Reserve Law Review and of the National Moot Court Team.14 He was also awarded The Order of The Coif. He was admitted to the Bar on August 30th and joined the Cleveland law firm of Hauxhurst, Inglis, Sharp and Cull.15

His engagement was announced August 27, 1957: “Miss Hull is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, class of 1954. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She is presently employed by the East Cleveland School System.”16 They were married October 26th, 1957: “Baskets of white gladioli decorated the altar of the First Methodist Church, Crooksville, Ohio when Miss Ann Wiseley Hull and Robert Walter Jones were united in marriage in a pretty double-ring ceremony at the candlelighted altar. The bride is a daughter of John M. Hull.”17 John was a leader in the family pottery business including multiple companies but best known for Hull Pottery18, of which he was a Director, and he was, from 1940 to 1968, President of the Crooksville Bank. That bank changed its name in 1992 to The Community Bank.

In 1959 Jones joined the law firm Zellmer, Rhein and Gruber. At the encouragement of the firm’s partner Clyde Rhein, who lived in the Lake Erie shore suburb of Cleveland, Rocky River,19 Jones also moved to the west side, to River’s next-door suburb Lakewood, Ohio. In 1960, he and his wife joined the Rocky River Methodist Church20 where their first child was baptized that year. 3 Subsequently the family moved to Rocky River, on the same street as Clyde, in 1963 prior to the birth of their third child and before their first child entered kindergarten. The family would ignore the poisoned dead fish on the beach in Rocky River Park, so to enjoy the magnificent sunsets over Lake Erie. Jones lived in Rocky River for the rest of his life and was a regularly attending church member, endeavoring to uphold the Methodist “Social Principles.”21 This involves statements regarding The Natural World, and The Nurturing, Social, Economic, Political and World Communities.

The social changes of the mid-1960’s directly impacted Jones’s legal career. The 1964 Civil Rights Act was just one example of the changes in society, especially involving notions of discrimination and individual liberty. But “it did not include a number of provisions deemed essential by civil rights leaders including protection against police brutality.”22 One significant motion Jones filed while in private law practice in 1965 involved a business owner’s liberty rights and the search of a business by authorities:23

On April 14, 1964 Customs Agents secured warrants for the search of a building at 6576 Brecksville Road, Independence, Ohio, a business known as Arms and Armor, and for the residence of Richard Raidl at 1715 Cypress Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. These warrants were issued upon the affidavits of Glendon R. Howson, Customs Agent in Charge, who stated that he had reason to believe that certain items had been fraudulently imported into the United States with intent to defraud the United States. On behalf of his client Richard Raidl, Jones moved for the suppression of evidence gained from these searches and for the return of the property seized based on constitutional law including the fourth amendment. He argued that the affidavits of Agent Howson were insufficient to inform the Commissioner that there was probable cause to justify the issuance of the warrants. Jones further charged that, even if a warrant might have been properly issued, the language of the warrant which was issued was so vague and indefinite as to make that warrant insufficient on its face. Finally, Jones further charged that, even if the warrants were valid, the execution thereof by the agents was illegal. The Motion to Suppress Evidence was granted by the court.

As a young attorney, Jones also took on pro bono and Legal Aid cases to gain experience, name recognition and meet Bar Association ideals of public service. An even more complex case arose after Jones joined the Public Defender’s Office of the Legal Aid Society in 1965. Incorporated in May 1905, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is the fifth oldest organization of its kind in the world: In a statement of purpose published in 1906, the founders wrote, legal aid is based on the principle that justice is the right of all men, and aims to put the rich and poor on an actual equality before the law.24 Towards the end of 1959, The Committee on Organization and Function urged a new plan of operation. In the early 1960s, Legal Aid stopped retaining outside lawyers and established its own staff. It became a grantee of the Office of Economic Opportunity predecessor of the Legal Services Corporation in 1966. 4 In 1966, under the leadership of then director and later Common Pleas Court Judge Burt Griffin, Legal Aid established five offices in low-income Cleveland neighborhoods. By 1970, some 30,000 low-income residents were being serviced by 66 Legal Aid attorneys in civil, criminal and juvenile cases. In 1965 Jones began defending a woman arrested by Cleveland Police as a suspicious person.25 It was another case involving civil and political rights.26 The case was summarized in a Plain Dealer News Article in 1969: “Suspicious Persons Law Killed by Court:” The Ohio Supreme Court today upheld lower court rulings that Cleveland’s “suspicious persons ordinance” is unconstitutional. The court dismissed the appeal which had been ordered by former Mayor Ralph Locher. Cleveland Municipal Judge Theodore Williams had ruled in January 1967, that part of the ordinance violated the Fourth, Fifth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Appeals Court agreed.

The ordinance provides for fines and 6 months in the Workhouse for anyone convicted of being a suspicious person. The part of the law Judge Williams found unconstitutional said: “Whoever..is found wandering about the streets, either by day or by night, without being able to give a reasonable and satisfactory account of themselves…” Police used the law to jail known criminals and prostitutes in “suspicious” circumstances. It long has been the target of civil rights reports and crusades. Judge Williams held that the law would permit the arrest of someone simply for walking aimlessly without a goal. The rest of the ordinance, dealing with suspicious persons in barrooms, pool halls, boxing arenas and so on has not been challenged. Judge Williams’ ruling came in a case against a 33-year-old East Side woman arrested as a suspicious person in 1965. Lawyer Robert W. Jones formerly of the public defender’s office and newly named assistant U.S. attorney was the defense lawyer in the case.27

There were other memorable cases. In 1967 the Plain Dealer reported how Jones became his defendant’s hero, “Unwanted Lawyer Is Hero Now:” Jack Klein was acquitted yesterday of theft charges through the efforts of a court appointed lawyer he tried to fire Monday. A jury of seven men and five women deliberated only 21 minutes after a 2-day trial before Common Pleas Judge Frank D. Celebrezze. Celebrezze, who had two juries deliberating in separate cases at the same times, called Klein to the bench. With Klein, a clothing cutter who lives at the YMCA, standing next to Robert W Jones of the public defender’s office- the lawyer Klein attempted to fire- Judge Celebrezze said: “You said you did not have confidence in your lawyer, Mr. Klein. I’m sure you do not feel that way at this moment.” Klein, 37, faced two to 40 years in prison if convicted on charges of stealing and operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. After the trial, Klein said: “I have all kinds of confidence in him (Jones) now.”28

Another jury returned an equally speedy verdict. The Plain Dealer reported it as “Eyes Win Innocent Verdict:” “I’ll never forget those deep blue eyes,” Mrs. Pauline Reynolds, a cashier at Rini’s Stop-N-Shop Super Market, 26035 Lorain Road, North Olmstead, told the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Herbert R. Whiting yesterday. She was referring to the color of the eyes of an armed robber who grabbed $13,000 in cash from the store last Sept. 7. Police arrested Richard T. Erwin, 28, of 4266 E. 98th Street. He was identified by Mrs. Reynolds from a black and white police photo. Robert W. Jones, chief trial lawyer for the Public Defender’s Office, marched Erwin in front of the seven-man, five-woman jury. “Stare into those deep blue eyes,” he told each of the jurors. After the trial ended, the jury went to the deliberation room and spent one hour discussing the case. They returned with an innocent verdict. “Why not?” asked Jones. “Those ‘deep blue eyes’ were a very light hazel.”29 Jones had been promoted to chief trial attorney at age 38, after 4 years with the Public Defender’s Office.30 5 Meanwhile, the Army Reserve Unit that Jones served had been dissolved. The order dated 3 May 1968 to Major Robert W. Jones indicated that Jones was transferred to USAR Control Group (Retired), by the Order of the Secretary of the Army, and was signed by Robert W. Weise, Adjutant General. In Spring 1968 Jones ran against Blanche Krupansky31 in the Republican Primary for Common Pleas Judge. The Citizens League interviewed both candidates and subsequently announced their primary preferences. Although Krupansky was considered “Well Qualified” Jones was “Preferred.” The League stated that Jones “has conducted a trial practice program for Case-Western Reserve senior law students the last three years; has an analytical mind; is highly respected as a student of the law; his judicial temperament and trial experience make him preferred in this race.”32 Krupansky won; her brother Robert Krupansky had created name recognition over many years. She was a formidable opponent; later, she was elevated to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Remarkably, Robert Krupansky,33 Blanche’s brother, became U. S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Department of Justice in June 1969 and invited Jones to join his staff in July 1969, after being nominated “by Republican Cuyahoga County Co-chairmen Robert E. Hughes and Saul G. Stillman.”34 In March 1970, Krupansky would name Jones as first assistant.35 The Krupansky-Jones team set to work: “Asst. U. S. Attorney Robert W Jones, 38, was given complete supervision of the federal criminal docket yesterday. Jones said 373 criminal cases are outstanding.”36 A June 30,th 1970 fiscal year-end Memorandum summarized their achievement: “The following is a review of significant progress, achievement and occurrences in the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio from July 1, 1969 to the present (fiscal year 1970).”37 552 cases were terminated compared to 337 the prior year; 827 new cases were docketed compared to 454. There was an increase in grand jury activity and an increase in the collections of money owed the United States. The Kent State shootings were investigated.

The Memorandum profiled Civil Rights case activity: 6 cases were filed under Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.38 As a result of close cooperation between the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department and the United States Attorney’s Office, 5 of these cases had been resolved by consent decrees. “This represented more progress in this area than in the preceeding 4 fiscal years combined.” A Grand Jury investigation revealed that a duplicate Department of Defense acceptance stamp had been counterfeited and used to certify defective carbine ammunition clips as being acceptable for military use. As a result of this investigation, the former president of the Shelby Corporation, which has since been reorganized, plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and to presenting a false claim to the United States. This investigation was conducted by Jones. An injunction was obtained by the United States Attorney ordering striking Akron postal employees to return to work. Faced with this court order and the determination of the United States Attorney that it would be enforced, the Akron postal employees did return in obedience to the injunction and the Cleveland postal employees also returned. Post Office officials have observed that this return in the in the Northern District of Ohio signaled the end of the nationwide strike. Jones assisted in the legal steps. 6 Twenty-six persons were enrolled in the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program, a substantial increase over preceding years. The program was supervised by Krupansky and Jones. Jones, as a member of the Drug Abuse Committee of the Cleveland Area Coordinating Counsel, participated in the program which led to the creation of a narcotic and dangerous drug treatment center at University Circle. And Jones assisted with the Law Student Intern Program. National attention was received by the investigations into the conspiracy to slay labor leader Joseph A. Yablonski. A nationwide F.B.I. investigation produced sufficient evidence to charge three Cleveland area residents with conspiracy to slay Yablonski. Through Grand Jury proceedings, a series of three conspiracy indictments were returned charging five individuals. The investigation was conducted by Krupansky, assisted by Jones, according to the Memorandum. The sensational case went on to further headlines. “TONY BOYLE CHARGED IN YABLONSKI KILLING” they screamed on September 6th, 1973.39 Former United Mine Worker’s president W. A. (Tony) Boyle was indicted by a Grand Jury on a charge of conspiring Joseph A. Yablonski, his rival for the union leadership in 1969. Yablonski’s wife and daughter were also slain. On January 16th, 1978 Boyle’s murder retrial was finally set to resume. He had been convicted but the Pennsylvania state Supreme Court had set aside the convictions on grounds Boyle was denied the right to present a complete defense.40 He was convicted.41

The U.S District Attorney’s Office would have new business. President Nixon had signed the National Environmental Policy Act on New Year’s Day in 1970, establishing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)42, “The 1970’s absolutely must be the years when America pays its debt to the past by reclaiming the purity of its air, its waters, and our living environment.” Karen Hao writes in “The Golden Age of the EPA” how the president moved quickly to fulfill his promise:43 The EPA would consolidate the authority over specific areas under one umbrella. It would have its own member of the Cabinet. Nixon appointed William D. Ruckelshaus to head the agency, which opened its doors December 2. A week after his confirmation, he filed suit against Atlanta, Detroit and Cleveland for polluting their rivers in violation of water quality standards.

In Cleveland, pollution was a demoralizing embarrassment to the citizenry. Case Western Reserve University Professor Jonathan Adler describes the history of Cleveland antipollution efforts in the 20th century in an iconoclastic review. As described in “Fables of the Cuyahoga: Reconstructing a History of Environmental Protection:”44 On June 22, 1969, just before noon, an oil slick and assorted debris under a railroad trestle on the Cuyahoga River caught fire. The fire attracted national media attention, including stories in Time, and National Geographic. The image of a river ablaze was seared into the nation’s emerging environmental consciousness. As Adler notes this was in fact nothing new: A federal report issued in October 1968 identified the Cuyahoga as one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the nation; the second greatest contributor to Lake Erie pollution. Local activists such as David Blaushild urged immediate action. The federal government held a conference on Lake Erie pollution under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. At the conference, Blaushild delivered over 200,000 letters and petition signatures. He and other local activists were driven by a “strong sense of place” and desire to protect those areas with which “they were familiar because of residential proximity or frequent recreational use.” Jones could sympathize, as a frequent visitor to the Lake Erie shore. 7 Earth Day was founded by U. S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.45 Annual Earth Day Events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. In 1970 Jones celebrated Earth Day at Kensington Elementary School in Rocky River. His son’s 6th grade class sponsored an Open House for parents of the students, to view the individual environmentalist projects. Jones reviewed the projects of fellow YMCA Indian Guides46 and Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts of America) including Scott Sanders, who won the prize for his movie depicting the air pollution of sonic booms at nearby Hopkins airport. Robert Jr.’s project involved a factory made of cardboard complete with chimney spewing smoke, as simulated by dry ice vapor. Scott would go on to co-found the Earth Day Coalition in 1989.47 Their 1990 Cleveland Zoo Event marked the Day’s 20th anniversary.

As the EPA moved ahead on pollution control, The Attorney General of the United States, John N. Mitchell gave a Press Conference in The Great Hall of the Department of Justice, December 18, 1970: “I would like to call attention to an area of activity that we have not publicly emphasized lately, but which I feel, because of the changing events, deserves your attention. I refer to the pollution control litigation, with particular reference to our work with the new Environmental Protection Agency, now headed by William Ruckelshaus. As in the case of other government departments and agencies, EPA refers civil and criminal suits to the Department of Justice, which determines whether there is a base for prosecution and of course, if we find it so, we proceed with court action…And today, I would like to announce that we are filing suit this morning against the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation for discharging substantial quantities of cyanide into the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland. Mr. Ruckelshaus has said, when he asked the Department to file this suit, that the 180-day notice filed against the company had expired. We are filing a civil suit to seek immediate injunctive relief under the Refuse Act of 1899 and the Federal Water Pollution Act to halt the discharge of these deleterious materials into the river.”48

Meanwhile the Ohio District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, In the matter of United States Attorney made an Order: “The Honorable Robert B. Krupansky has resigned from the Office of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio on the 30th day of November 1970. His resignation was accepted by the President of the United States. By said acts the office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio became, and is now, vacant. It is therefore ordered that pursuant to the authority invested by the Congress of the United States in this Court by virtue of Title 28, United States Code, 546 that Robert W. Jones, Assistant United States Attorney, be and his is hereby appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio until the said vacancy shall be filled otherwise as provided by law. Dated and effective December 1, 1970.”49 The order was signed by the 9 District Judges. The Plain Dealer headline read “Robert Jones Elected Successor to Krupansky as U.S. Attorney.”50 Krupansky had been appointed by Nixon to Federal Judge. So Jones was the United States Attorney during the time of the first legal steps taken by the EPA to clean up the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. The Plain Dealer documented the efforts of Jones in multiple stories that December. 8 “U.S. Opens Probe Here on Pollution:” A federal grand jury today is to begin an investigation of water pollution allegedly being caused by about 12 companies in northeastern Ohio. A U.S. Department of Justice source said yesterday it would be the first grand jury investigation of water pollution in this area. Expected to handle presentation of the cases are Acting U.S. Attorney Robert W. Jones and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward S. Molnar.51 “U.S. Jury Indicts CEI on Ash Dumping in Lake” read the front-page headline. A federal grand jury here indicted four corporations yesterday for polluting Lake Erie and waterways in northeast Ohio. Facing fines are Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., Shell Oil Co., Uniroyal Chemical Division of Uniroyal Inc. and Olin Corp. The companies were charged under the 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act, which makes dumping refuse in navigable waters illegal. CEI face 20 counts in the indictment. The company is accused of dumping 33 tons of fly ash, a coal residue, in Lake Erie. The cases, developed in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, were presented to the jury by acting U.S. Atty. Robert W. Jones and Assistant U.S. Atty. Edward S. Molnar. 52 “Charges J&L With Pollution:” U.S. authorities have filed criminal charges against Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp for allegedly discharging 75 tons of blast furnace waste a day in the Cuyahoga River over a 10-day period. U.S. Attorney Robert W. Jones filed the misdemeanor charges in District Court Wednesday, alleging violations of the 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act.53 “Pollution Suits Hit U.S. Steel:” The nation’s largest steel producer yesterday was added to the list of companies charged by the federal government with polluting waterways in northeastern Ohio. In twin suits file in U.S. District Court here, the U.S. Steel Corp. was accused of dumping cyanides in the Cuyahoga and Black rivers. Assistant U.S. Atty. Edward S. Molnar and acting U.S. Atty. Robert W. Jones are spearheading the government’s latest water pollution prosecutions here.54 President Nixon eventually appointed Frederick M. Coleman United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, sworn in January 6th, 1971; Jones resumed his role as first assistant.

The EPA was on the march. Litigation dragged on. J&L “pleaded no contest on five of 10 counts filed against the company Dec. 30 by Robert W. Jones, who then was U.S. attorney,” and was fined.55 The U.S. Justice Department filed suit October 13, 1971 asking that Metals Applied Inc. be enjoined from dumping “hexavalent chromium, suspended solids and oil” into the Cuhahoga River. Assistant U.S. Atty. Robert W. Jones, who filed the suit, said the company is one of 30 firms which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, have not complied with the anti-pollution permit system.56 In August 1972 there was a spill and discharge of coal tar into the Mahoning River from a facility owned and operated by Republic Steel Corporation. This was a violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Thereafter the United States Attorney filed a criminal suit against Republic Steel Corporation.57 The local and national DOJ attorneys collaborated in this effort. Eventually new Federal legislation made it easier for the EPA to protect against water pollution with amendatory legislation culminating in the Clean Water Act58 as we know it today.

Jones also participated in a wide variety of cases. Jeffrey Tannenbaum, a Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal interviewed Jones in 1972 for a story on bungled burglaries:59 “Smile, You’re on Candid Camera:” Like the time not long ago when an amateur, aware that a camera was constantly running in the Cleveland bank he had selected to rob, climbed atop a desk to cover the lens. Before he did, however, he looked straight into the camera, giving officials one of the best full-face closeups on record. 9 That’s a tale told by Robert W. Jones, an assistant U.S. attorney in Cleveland who prosecutes bank robbery cases. Then there was the woman who drove up to the drive-in teller at Cleveland Trust Co. and pulled off a successful robbery. Well, momentarily successful. As the woman drove away, the teller simply wrote down the license number, and before long the woman was arrested. She had conveniently used the family station wagon for her caper.

In January 1972, at the urging of his mentor, Robert E Hughes, then Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Cuyahoga County Republican organization, Jones agreed to run as the Republican candidate for County Prosecutor against the long-term incumbent John T. Corrigan in November 1972: “Jones’s candidacy is seen as further indication that GOP Cochairmen Robert E Hughes and Saul G. Stillman are preparing a strong slate of candidates.”60 He ran to curry party favor and gain name recognition, in hopes of a later party appointment to a judgeship. He had no chance of winning against the popular Democrat Corrigan in a County with a vast preponderance of Democrats. And the Corrigan name alone was so popular in the County, there were 6 Corrigans running for office in that election.61 Jones would be drafted by the Republicans to run against Corrigan a couple more times, similarly. Krupansky had also lost twice to Corrigan so Jones was in good company.

After his inevitable loss in the election, Jones took a position in the City of Cleveland Law Department.62 Ralph Perk was the mayor, most notable internationally for his hair catching fire at a ribbon cutting ceremony.63 But there were serious issues to be dealt with. “In 1972, three years after the Cuyahoga River caught fire and pressures from the EPA, Perk formed the NEORSD- or the North East Ohio Regional Sewer District.” The NEORSD is a public utility district serving most of Cuyahoga County and a portion of Summit County in the U.S. state of Ohio.64 Perk lost the Mayoral election in 1977 and so Jones was out too. Jimmy Carter was elected President in 1976, which had killed the hope of a federal judicial appointment for Jones. But there was still hope of some judicial appointment. In December 1976 The Bar Association of Greater Cleveland sent Republican Governor Rhodes its recommendations for four vacancies in the Probate, Common Pleas and Municipal Courts. Bar President Lawrence E. Stewart sent the recommendations to the governor after they were approved by the bar’s board of trustees. The Judicial Selection Committee had interviewed 25 lawyers and judges who requested consideration. Jones was one of 13 recommended for Common Pleas Court Judge. But he was not appointed.

By the end of 1976 Jones had decided to become a personal injury lawyer in private practice. This would not be an unusual decision for an attorney with the degree of criminal trial experience and name recognition that Jones had by that point. As pointed out in an article “Should I Become a Personal Injury Lawyer,” a quality personal injury practice can be very lucrative:65 “It’s safe to say that 90 percent of all graduating law students don’t graduate in the top 10 percent of their class. That fact makes it difficult for a young attorney to get into the door of a quality personal injury practice. On the other hand, the criminal lawyer’s experience makes for a more comfortable transition into a personal injury practice.” After 25 years of gainful public service, Jones entered the private sector. He eventually began contemplating how injuries could be prevented instead of litigated. Jones intuitively came up with an invention. 10 Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile by Ralph Nader, published in 1965, is a book accusing car manufacturers of resistance to the introduction of safety features such as seat belts, and their general reluctance to spend money on improving safety.66 It was a pioneering work containing substantial references and material from industry insiders. It was a best seller in non-fiction in 1966 and fascinated Jones. Jones had the idea that a driver facing an accident situation would instinctively grip the steering wheel hard, with a “white-knuckle” grip. Jones theorized that this could immediately transmit a flashing light signal to the car behind thus preventing a chain-collision pile-up. With the aid of a local engineer he received U.S. Patent No. 4,425,560; HIGHWAY HAZARD WARNING SIGN SIGNAL; Docket 6178-CONY-CIP.67He marketed it to the big car makers who were selling new safety features and especially Ford who had a large plant in West Side Cleveland. In general, he lobbied car makers for higher safety standards. His invention was a forerunner of modern standard car warning signal systems that monitor how close cars are to each other and objects, to prevent accidents. In 1988, Jones’s son, Robert Jr., entered the private practice of medicine in the specialty of neurology. Robert Jr. would rely on his father’s savvy advice to deal with legal issues that constantly pop up in medical practice, which includes not only the human resource, contract and other concerns of running a service corporation but also includes patient-related issues involving worker’s compensation injuries, disability determination, standard of care, and patient safety and protection, among a host of medico-legal subspecialty areas. Father and son shared a common interest in Injury Prevention and Control.

By 1990, having dealt with a series of health set-backs, Jones had retired from active practice and the courtroom, but continued with some consulting work and maintained shared office space in the offices of his attorney friend Edward I. Stillman at The Stillman Building, Cleveland.68 He focused on volunteer activities, his church, supporting his wife’s active travel agency business, and spending time with family. Jones enjoyed debating history with his youngest son Thomas. He followed his son John’s journey from Methodist seminary at Boston University to ordination. And he rejoiced when his schoolteacher daughter Kay gave birth to twin girls. In 1995, Jones helped Robert Jr. to create a dedicated advocacy and education program: INPROVE, The Injury Prevention and Overcoming Violence Education program. Robert Jr. had served on the State Medical Society of Wisconsin Commission on Injury Prevention and Control in 1994.69 With the assistance of his father, Robert Jr. created a series of INPROVE local education programs and events while President of the Kenosha Medical Society in 1995. There were events for immunization,70 gun safety,71 with a trigger lock give-away event,72 prevention of accidents caused by older or impaired drivers,73 domestic violence prevention,74 treating sleep disorders to prevent accidents,75 carbon monoxide safety,76 and the need for a local Health Education Center.77 Jones joined Robert Jr. in supporting The Earth Day Coalition.

A grateful Rocky River United Methodist Church (RRUMC) thanked Jones at the close of the 1994 year. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your service on Council of Ministries as Administrative Board Chairperson. Our church could not be the great church that it is without people like you volunteering precious time to serve in helping it perform its ministry and mission. God has certainly called us to a specific ministry, but God both calls and needs people like yourself in order that God’s work be done in the world. Please accept the gratitude not only of myself, but of our whole staff and entire congregation.”78 The letter was signed by James G. Skinner, Senior Pastor.

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This was the second time Jones had served a 2-year term as chairperson; he had spent over a dozen years serving on the Administrative Board, and more years with other committees. While Jones was on the RRUMC administrative board in 1988, the board had lobbied the United Nations for a resolution, for the cooperation of nations to conserve, control and prevent the pollution of water and that water resources be exempt from the conflicts of nations.79 Jones had authored the core “Six Principles For International Resolution” of the lobbying effort. The U. S. Department of State responded agreeably.80

Legacy

His obituary was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Among other details it mentioned, “He lived in Rocky River for more than 30 years. Mr. Jones was a member of Rocky River United Methodist Church, where he chaired the administrative board and worked with Boy Scouts. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Ann, sons, Dr. Robert W. Jr. of Kenosha, Wis., the Rev. Jack Fitzelle-Jones of Warwick, R.I., and Thomas of Chicago; a daughter, Kathryn Pucella of South Euclid; eight grandchildren; and a sister. Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Rocky River United Methodist Church.”81 6 years later, a ninth grandchild was born.

Today, Legal Aid annually handles over 8,500 civil cases that help more than 21,000 persons. Legal Aid’s 55 attorneys now operate out of its downtown Cleveland office and 3 others (Wikipedia). A book titled Bicentennial Celebration of the United States Attorneys was published by the Department of Justice in 1989. Under Northern District of Ohio, Robert W. Jones is listed for 1970. In the 3 page section highlighting the history of the Ohio Northern District, it mentions “In key areas of environmental litigation and defense procurement fraud, the Northern District has made significant contributions recognized nationally.”82

Cleveland was hailed in 2007 by local media as the “Comeback City.” As noted in the Wikipedia article, in the 1960’s, change lagged despite federal laws to enforce rights, and social unrest occurred. In the late 20th century, the metropolitan area began a gradual recovery.83

INPROVE took off.84 Among other accomplishments it established a 10-person event organizing committee (The Overcoming Violence Coalition, among whose members were included the three sons of Jones, and Scott Sanders), and organized Overcoming Violence Day 1998-Chicago,85 an afternoon and evening of concerts, musical theater, speeches and poster presentations in a Chicago Public Park (Gompers, June 21st), with over 50 volunteer participants.86 Jones was remembered by his sons at that Father’s Day event. Exhibits representing over 37 organizations educated the public.87 There have been many additional events, most recently in 2018 with poster distribution, and especially at events associated with school shooting protests.88

The Rev. Jack Fitzelle-Jones, Pastor of Mathewson Street United Methodist Church in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, and musician brother Thomas, have created an exemplary Sunday Friendship Prayer Breakfast Service dedicated to serving those in need, and particularly the Homeless Community.89 Thomas Reed Jones posts his songs on multiple sites including You Tube.90 He taught American History for the City Colleges of Chicago and has written a textbook. The Earth Day Coalition held annual events, including the popular March to the Zoo, until it closed in 2018.91 Lake Erie had bounced back; the dead fish along the shore were no more. Also in 2018: Granddaughter Caroline Kathryn Grace Jones J.D. graduated from the University of Colorado Law School.

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Jones corresponded with officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over many years, starting in 1987, regarding international cooperation on Clean Water advances, and in one letter in response to a request for credentials wrote: “I began my study of Water as a young boy being raised on a dairy farm. My interest continued during Secondary and University education. But my most significant experience was to take place during my professional life, a unique opportunity in 1970 which has led directly to this Proposal. During 1970 I was the United States Attorney for The Northern District of Ohio. The District serves the nine million citizens of the forty Northern Counties of the State of Ohio. It includes the entire Southern Shoreline of Lake Erie, a fresh water lake of the Great Lakes which is the source of the area water supply including drinking water for several million of the area residents. During that public service I planned and administered an investigation into the quality of the water from the rivers which flowed into Lake Erie. As the investigation proceeded I conferred on a regular basis with scientists and other environmental specialists on the subject of water. The investigation received national attention at that time and contributed to the National Water Quality Law of 1972. That successful administrative experience enriched my education and perspective of Water. From Creation it has been the giver and sustainer of life. I learned from that experience that Water is more valuable to mankind than gold, silver or gemstones because Water is necessary to life and living.”92

In 1989 Robert Walter Jones was nominated by a letter, for the Nobel Peace Prize, by James M. Petro, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, which read in part: “As a member of the Ohio General Assembly, I have been petitioned by a large group of respected citizens of my region. I understand that as an elected member of a legislative assembly, I am qualified to submit such nomination. Accordingly, I respectfully request your consideration of nominee, Robert Walter Jones, of Rocky River, Ohio, United States of America for the Nobel Prize for the promotion of World Peace. As a citizen of my community, the nominee has distinguished himself as an attorney, public servant, community leader, and as an activist in the Rocky River United Methodist Church, where he has served as Chairperson of the Administrative Board. This nominee has produced “Six Principles for International Resolution.” The Administrative Board has been informed that the “Six Principles” are being processed for submission to the 1989 General Assembly. The “Six Principles” focuses on water as an element of life, the necessity of which is shared by all of the people of the world. Agreement by all of the nations of the world to respect and protect that essential element for life, and the universal values represented by it, would substantially enhance the opportunities for World Peace.”93

He Initiated the Clean-Up and Revival of Lake Erie; He brought back Clean Water to Cleveland; and He Proposed Ways to Promote International Clean Water Human Rights.

REFERENCES AND NOTES

1 John Ceiriog Hughes Wikipedia. 2 " Letter from Robert Hughes" to Jones on Cuyahoga County Republican Party letterhead, November 19, 1973. Note: Hughes sent Jones this doggerel: To be born Welsh: Is to be born privileged. Not with a silver spoon in your mouth. But music in your blood. And poetry in your soul. 3 “GRIFFITH-DAVIS ROUND-UP AT WALT GRIFFITH FARM” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, August 27, 1950. 4 “Piano Recital by pupils of Phyllis McClure Program August 17, 1940;” “Portage County Schools Music Festival Program(s) 1947, 1948. 5 “Paris Township High School basketball letter certificate (s), 1946, 1947, 1948.” 6 “Farm Bureau Delegates Learn Cooperative Way” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, 1947; “Farm Bureau Sponsors Youth Conference” 1948. 7 “’Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ Is Paris High School Play” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, March 1947. 8 “Paris High Seniors To Stage Play Friday” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, April 1948. 9 “Paris Senior Wins Honorable Mention” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, October 1947. 10 “Robert Jones, Paris, First in County Scholarship Test” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, February 1948. 11 “State of Department of Education Columbus, Ohio Certificate (s) of Award, District Tests.” 1948. 12 “Robert W. Jones Gets Scholarship” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, June 1949. 13 “Robert Jones On Honor List at OU” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, June 1951. 14 “5 Law Students Honored at WRU” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, May 1957. 15 “Local Man Admitted to Bar” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, September 1957. 16 “October Bride-Elect” The Record -Courier, Ravenna-Kent, Ohio, August 27, 1957. 17 “Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Jones, Living in Cleveland” The Crooksville-Roseville Messenger, Crooksville, Ohio, October 1957. 18 Hull Pottery Wikipedia. 19 “Clyde Rhein obituary” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, 2016. http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=clyde-k-rhein-ne-christy&pid=177216814 20 United Methodist Church Wikipedia.

21 “Social Principles, The United Methodist Church” http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/social-principles-social-creed. Note: "Taking an active stance in society is nothing new for followers of John Wesley. He set the example for us to combine personal and social piety. Ever since predecessor churches to United Methodism flourished in the United States, we have been known as a denomination involved with people's lives, with political and social struggles, having local to international mission implications. Such involvement is an expression of the personal change we experience in our baptism and conversion. The United Methodist Church believes God's love for the world is an active and engaged love, a love seeking justice and liberty. We cannot just be observers. So we care enough about people's lives to risk interpreting God's love, to take a stand, to call each of us into a response, no matter how controversial or complex. The church helps us think and act out a faith perspective, not just responding to all the other 'mind-makers-up' that exist in our society." Excerpt from The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2016. Copyright © 2016 by The United Methodist Publishing House. 22 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 Wikipedia. 23 United States v. Raidl, 250 F. Supp. 278 (N.D. Ohio 1965): Justia. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/250/278/2341330/ 24 Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Wikipedia. 25 CLEVELAND v. FORREST No. 937138. 10 Ohio Misc. 98 (1967) Cleveland Municipal Court, Criminal Branch. Decided January 4, 1967. https://casetext.com/case/cleveland-v-forrest 26 Civil and political rights Wikipedia. 27 “Suspicious Persons Law Killed by Court” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, 1969. 28 “Unwanted Lawyer Is Hero Now” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, May 24, 1967. 29 “Eyes Win Innocent Verdict” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, May 16, 1969. 30 “Defender Office Promotes Jones” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, 1968. 31 Blanch Krupansky Wikipedia. 32 “The Citizens League Announces Primary Preferences” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, 1968. 33 Robert B. Krupansky Wikipedia. 34 “4 Tapped here as U.S. Attorney’s Aides” by Ann Hellmuth, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, May 27, 1969. 35 “Krupansky Names Jones as Assistant” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, March 1969. 36 “Federal Criminal Docket Here Reorganized to Hasten Trials” by Ann Hellmuth, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, July 1969. 37 “Memorandum” by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, June 30, 1970. 38 The Kent State shootings Wikipedia; Civil Rights Act of 1968 Wikipedia. 39 “TONY BOYLE CHARGED IN YABLONSKI KILLING” The Cleveland Press, Cleveland, Ohio September 6, 1973. 40 “Boyle murder retrial due to resume today” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio January 16, 1978. 41 W.A. Boyle Wikipedia. 42 United States Environmental Protection Agency Wikipedia. 43 “The Golden Age of the EPA” by Karen Hao, The New Republic April 28, 2017. 44 “Fables of the Cuyahoga: Reconstructing a History of Environmental Protection by Jonathan H. Adler, (2002). Faculty Publications, Paper 191. http//scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/faculty_publications/ 191 45 Earth Day Wikipedia. 46 YMCA Wikipedia. Note: In later years Indian Guides became Adventure Guides, due to cultural sensitivity issues. 47 “Every Day is Earth Day for coalition” by Tom Breckenridge, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, December 26, 1990. Note: According to the article, “Chris Trepal and her Lakewood family drink only distilled water. Lake Erie Water is too contaminated, says Trepal, a hard-bitten environmentalist. Scott Sanders, co-director with Trepal of the Earth Day Coalition, uses cayenne pepper and household glue as bug deterrents in his Bay Village home, rather than toxic sprays. The coalition, by its own description, “is a gathering of environmental groups, individuals, community and neighborhood organizations working in Northeast Ohio to build a safe, just, sustainable planet.” The group’s short-term focus was a massive environmental-education campaign, touching schools, businesses, and the general public. It culminated in a 20th anniversary celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd. The campaign was a success, judging by the 38,000 people who crammed the Cleveland Metroparks zoo for an Earth Day fete.” 48 “Press Conference Attorney General John N Mitchell” December 18, 1970. https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/ag/legacy/2011/08/23/12-18-1970.pdf 49 “In the Matter of United States Attorney Order” by United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, December 1, 1970. 50 “Robert Jones Elected Successor to Krupansky as U.S. Attorney” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, December 3, 1970. 51 “U.S. Opens Probe Here on Pollution” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, December 1970. 52 U.S. Jury Indicts CEI on Ash Dumping in Lake” by Brian Williams, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, December 1970. 53 “Charges J&L With Pollution” (AP) The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, December 31st, 1970. 54 “Pollution Suits Hit U.S. Steel” by Brian Williams, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, December, 1970. 55 “750-Ton Waste in River Nets J&L Fine of $5,000” by Brian Williams, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, 1971. 56 “U.S. Sues Metals Firm as Polluter” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, October 14, 1971. 57 491 F2d 315 United States v. Republic Steel Corporation, Open Jurist. https://m.openjurist.org/491/f2d/315/united-states-v-republic-steel-corporation 58 Clean Water Act Wikipedia 59 “How to Bungle a Heist- Or, Never Send a Boy To Do a Man’s Job” by Jeffrey A. Tannenbaum, The Wall Street Journal, New York, New York, February 8, 1972. 60 “Jones Tries for GOP Slate: County Prosecutor Aspirant Emerges” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, January 27, 1972. 61 “You Can Cast Votes for Six Corrigans” by Richard L Maher, The Cleveland Press, Cleveland, Ohio, November 1972. 62 “City of Cleveland Employee Badge Law Department Robert Jones” 1973. 63 Ralph Perk Wikipedia. 64 Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Wikipedia. 65 “Bar recommends judges” The Cleveland Press, Cleveland, Ohio, December 20, 1976; Should I become a Personal Injury Lawyer” by Chris,Telapost. https://www.telapost.com/become-pi-lawyer/ 66 Unsafe at Any Speed Wikipedia. 67 “Letter to Robert W. Jones from Woodling, Krost and Rust Attorneys” November 22, 1991. 68 “Letter to Robert W. Jones, Esquire from Edward I Stillman” October 23, 1990. 69 “Letter to Robert W. Jones M.D. from the State Medical Society of Wisconsin” April 12, 1995. 70 “Letter to Robert W. Jones M.D. from the Wisconsin Immunization Program of the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services” February 15, 1994. 71 “Speaker urges family gun safety” The Kenosha News, Kenosha, WI, February 10, 1995. 72 “Group gives out trigger locks to promote safety” The Kenosha News, Kenosha, WI, May 21, 1995. 73 “Assessing older drivers’ competency” The Kenosha News, Kenosha, WI, October 4, 1996. “DOT official, doctors meet head-on over older drivers” The Kenosha News, Kenosha, WI, April 7, 1995. 74“Kenosha County Medical Society Minutes for October 5, 1995.” 75 Letter to Dr. Robert W. Jones from Howard J. Brown, Publisher, The Kenosha News” May 22, 1995. 76 “Kenosha County Medical Society Minutes February 1, 1996.” 77 “Resolution 15-1994 Support of the Health Education Center of Wisconsin” State Medical Society of Wisconsin Annual Meeting 1994. 78 “Letter to Robert Jones from James G. Skinner, Senior Pastor, Rocky River United Methodist Church” December 27, 1994. 79 “Letter to The Honorable Vernon A. Walters, United States Representative to the United Nations from Rocky River United Methodist Church Administrative Board, Evelyn Krein, Chairperson” January 17, 1988. 80 “United States Department of State, Office of Technical Specialized Agencies, Bureau of International Organizations Affairs to Rocky River United Methodist Church, Evelyn Krein, Chairperson” February 10, 1989. 81 “Robert Walter Jones, 67” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, February 28, 1998. 82 Bicentennial Celebration of the United States Attorneys by The Department of Justice, United States of America, 1989. https://www.justice.gov/usao/page/file/1038771/download 83 Cleveland Wikipedia; http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Cleveland_Civil_Disorders_(1966_-_1968) 84 “INPROVE Statement of Activity, Fall 1999” by Robert W. Jones MD, November 1999. Note: Among other activities INPROVE established an educational website; provided speakers; gave newspaper and radio interviews; established a 10-person organizing committee; Organized Overcoming Violence Day 1998-Chicago; sold designer t-shirts and posters; and created liasons with other events and organizations. 85 “Kenoshans to perform in Chicago” The Kenosha News, Kenosha, WI, June 18, 1998. Note: The article mentioned “Kenosha musician Kerri Sherwood will play music from her CD “sisu music” as part of an anti-violence program at Gompers Park in Chicago Sunday. The event, sponsored by the Overcoming Violence Coalition, will feature additional music, exhibits, children’s activities, speeches and theater.” 86 http://www.oocities.org/geobeliever/ 87 “Program- Overcoming Violence Day Chicago” June 21, 1998. 88 https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2018/03/24/march-our-lives-fox-cities-students-supporters-rally-against-gun-violence/455387002/ 89 https://www.mathewsonstreetchurch.org/ http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20171224/good-folks-many-hands-deliver-breakfast-fellowship-at-mathewson-street-church 90 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpAKkBdBIm7UbK2dAhmt3Cw 91 https://www.facebook.com/EarthDayCoalition/ 92 “Letter to Mr. Abdullah Al Musa’ad, Deputy Minister for Water Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Robert Walter Jones” December 10, 1987. 93 “Letter to The Nobel Peace Prize Committee by James M. Petro of the Ohio House of Representatives” nominating Robert Walter Jones, January 17, 1989.