James P. Jones, M.D., a compassionate healer, dedicated serviceman, skilled craftsman, and cherished husband and father, passed away peacefully on Oct, 17, 2024 at the age of 82.
Dr. Jones began his medical journey with distinction, graduating from medical school before embarking on a rotating internship at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. His early months in the Emergency Room shaped his approach to medicine, earning him the coveted Intern of the Year award.
Driven by a desire to serve, Dr. Jones joined the U.S. Navy Submarine Service. After six rigorous months at the School of Submarine Medicine in Groton, Connecticut, he was assigned as the medical officer aboard the USS Henry Clay, a nuclear submarine.
During his tenure, he completed two critical war deterrent patrols out of Guam and Pearl Harbor. His skill, poise and dedication earned him a commendation for expertly managing medical emergencies at sea and serving as a dive officer — a role that uniquely positioned him among the few who can say they knew how to operate a nuclear submarine.
While stationed in Hawaii, Dr. Jones embraced the joys of family life. His wife and his eldest daughter Tara lived with him in Pearl Harbor, and it was there that his second daughter Teresa was born at Tripler Army Medical Center in 1971.
After completing his Navy service, Dr. Jones returned to Santa Barbara, where he continued his commitment to healing as a family practitioner.
alancing his private practice with shifts in the Cottage Hospital Emergency Room, he served as chairman of the Emergency Medicine Committee, guiding the department with his characteristic wisdom and care. In 1974, he and his wife welcomed their son Chris, completing their family of five in Goleta.
In 1999, Dr. Jones remarried Diane Riffle, who tragically passed away in 2003 from pancreatic cancer. Despite this loss, he continued to embrace life and found love again in 2014 with Joyce Salda, his faithful partner and constant companion until his passing.
Dr. Jones was a man of boundless curiosity and creativity. When he wasn’t working, he immersed himself in an array of hobbies, becoming the resident blacksmith at Stow House, a skilled woodworker, locksmith, appliance repairman, knife maker, and even a lace maker.
Known for making intricate, handmade gifts for others, he expressed his deep love and care through his craftsmanship.
A survivor of cancer, heart issues, and diabetes since 1991, Dr. Jones was affectionately known among his friends and family as having “nine lives.” His resilience inspired all who knew him.
Dr. Jones found great fulfillment in giving back to his community, especially through his favorite charity, the Father Virgil Cordano Center, which supports those in need.
He is survived by his loving partner Joyce; his children Tara, Teresa and Chris; and seven grandchildren.
He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and a life filled with purpose.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 at St. Mark’s in Isla Vista, followed by burial at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Father Virgil Cordano Center here.
at [frvirgilcordanocenter.org](https://frvirgilcordanocenter.org).