The Dr. William R. Jones Endowed Chair in Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery at Washington State University was established to honor Dr. Jones’ lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine. Dedicated to advancing small animal care, the endowment supports research, education, and innovation in the field, ensuring his legacy continues to benefit future veterinarians and their patients.
Born in Seattle in 1911, Jones earned his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State College in 1935. Even before graduation, he immersed himself in clinical practice, working alongside Dr. Emer, the co-developer of the Kirschner-Emer splint.
Following graduation, he worked for the U. S. Department of Agriculture testing cattle for bangs disease out of Lincoln County, Oregon. In 1941 he went to Washington, D.C. where he worked on anthelmintics at Beltsville, Maryland.
During World War II, he joined the Army and was initially stationed in Oakland, California, where he inspected food supplies for the Pacific theater before receiving an overseas assignment in Trinidad in 1946. Once discharged, rather than returning to the U.S. after his military service, Jones chose to stay in Trinidad, where he built and operated the island’s first small animal hospital.
Over the next 35 years, he worked tirelessly to improve veterinary care on the island. In the early days, he operated the only veterinary clinic on the island, so medicines were hard to come by and mostly he used human drugs. When he had time for vacation, he did so by attending veterinary conventions, learning new techniques and stocking up on medications.
Jones was known not only for his medical expertise but also for his warmth, humor, and storytelling. A lifelong learner, he was proud to be an associate member of the American Animal Hospital Association and regularly attended its conventions to stay connected with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
At age 72, Jones retired and relocated to Sarasota, Florida, where he lived until his passing in 1988. His legacy endures through the Dr. William R. Jones Endowed Chair in Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, ensuring that his dedication to veterinary excellence and compassionate care continues to inspire future generations at WSU.