Without exaggeration, Nelson was one of the great men and mentors of my long career! My time with him was brief, but psychological assessment has been a focus in my practice and he taught me a thought process I rely upon daily. I remember how he would patiently smile and say, "Well Chris, they got the results for some reason, let's see if we can figure out what it is." Beyond that though, a true gentleman with an awesome sense of humor one rarely encounters. Think of the lives this great man has touched!!!

So very sad to learn of Nelson’s passing. He was ever so patient, centered and supportive of us students at GSPP. He would try to find jobs, placements or TA positions to help with the cost of tuition. And he was always available for advising on any topic. A true mentor we respected. When my wife and I left GSPP for internship in Palo Alto, Ca, we were the first PsyDs they had ever accepted which we believed was a reflection of the quality of the program he founded. Passing through Nevada on the way there, we stopped for lunch at a diner that had a slot machine in each booth. We played a couple of times and won $125 (in quarters)! We immediately called Nelson to tell him of our good fortune and he laughed and laughed saying it was a sign of things to come. Thank you, Nelson, for your mentorship, support and vision in educating professional psychologists. We owe you and we will miss you. 

Nelson was an incredibly supportive and considerate mentor and friend. I was fortunate to work with him on AIDS research during my third year at DU which provided much-needed tuition relief. Access to him was by a simple knock on his always opened door. Such memories never fade, nor will his legacy.

  It's hard to describe how much I've appreciated Dr. Jones and how much Nelson has contributed to my development as a psychologist. He' been a role model lodged in my mind. There was his genuine and affable personality which blended with his ways of being an extremely, competent, knowledgeable, supervisory, but understated psychologist.   And, there was his excellent, level-headed, leadership in running the School of Professional Psychology and working with the co-founders,  staff,  faculty and students.  It seemed all of us were important and he was just plain friendly with everybody.  Often, Nelson would join us in the coffee room chatting,  listening, chuckling as we took breaks from classes.  He was part of the group, and a very special man.
   I made sure I finished my doctoral work the year Nelson retired so I could be sure when I walked across the graduation stage it would be his hand I shook.
   My condolences to his family.

Dr. Nelson Jones was a steady leader, an amazing teacher and mentor, and perhaps most of all a model of what I always hoped a psychologist could aspire to be. He was careful and caring, thoughtful and thorough, kind and confident - and he skillfully facilitated the development of such values in all of us who were privileged to be his students and friends.  I am forever thankful for Nelson being a part of our lives.













Nelson Jones will always be remembered by each and every student during his deanship. He was a very able, approachable
leader with a dry wit and a poised demeanor that assured complete confidence, yet also conveyed his caring and personal humility. His opening statement to the first class left an indelible memory. Nelson conveyed that all was new for faculty and us, but doable and exciting. He added "all of you have been selected to be here and I expect to be there on the days when you all graduate". The core faculty team and the one that he grew fostered both a quest for excellence in practice knowledge, but also his full expectation forall of us to become very caring, contributing psychologists. A remarkable person, a perfect fit. We were very fortunate.
Glenn Gravelle, PsyD








I received my Psy.D. from SPP @ DU in 1988.  Nelson and another student interviewed me as part of the application process.  His warmth, support, and love of teaching were a big part of what made my years at SPP special.   I am honored to have known him.  I continue to pay his kindness forward in my professional life. Here is a picture I took of him at a DU function a few years back.  He is surrounded by former students and friends.  

I am grateful that Nelson was Dean during my years at SPP (‘84-‘89). He was   a role model for a thoughtful, informed, and compassionate approach to psychology, but as much so, a man of such profound kindness and fundamental decency, that he was an exemplar of how to be a  ‘mensch’.. He  was warm, patient, and encouraging, and the frequent (and distinctive!) sound of his amused chuckling remains a vivid and fond memory even 33 years later. It was a privilege to know him and to learn under his guidance and tutelage. Deepest condolences to Mrs. Jones and all your family. Thank you for having shared your wonderful husband and father with all of us. 

OBITUARY

Nelson F Jones

February 5, 1928 – December 24, 2021

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