Born and raised in Seymour, Indiana, Roger was the son of Muriel (Sweany) and George Jones. From an early age, he developed the remarkable work ethic and attention to detail that would define his life—excelling as an Eagle Scout, basketball player, valedictorian, drum major, church organist, and paperboy.
After graduating from Seymour High School, Roger attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he met the love of his life, Martha (“Marty”), in 1965. Following an accelerated undergraduate program, he enrolled at Indiana University School of Medicine. Roger and Marty were married on August 23, 1969. During medical school, they formed a lifelong friendship with Tom and Karen Jamison, who years later would become their close neighbors in Williamsburg.
Following medical school, Roger and Marty moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Roger completed his OB/GYN residency and met his future medical partner, Dan Jenkins. Their years in Chapel Hill brought many enduring friendships and sparked Roger’s lifelong devotion to UNC Tar Heel basketball.
In 1976, Roger and Marty settled in Williamsburg, Virginia, with their young daughter, Emily. There, Roger founded Williamsburg Obstetrics and Gynecology, serving generations of families as a skilled physician and surgeon until his retirement in 2013. Over the course of his career, he delivered thousands of babies, earning the trust and admiration of patients and colleagues alike.
Roger and Marty were deeply involved in the Williamsburg community and were devoted members of Bruton Parish Church, where Roger sang baritone in the choir for more than 40 years. A natural builder and problem-solver, he was a gifted woodworker, gardener, volunteer, and community servant. He was active in the Williamsburg Rotary Club and many other endeavors, where he and Marty often worked together.
Roger loved spending time with family and friends, working outdoors, woodworking, music, hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the eastern United States. He especially treasured adventures with his best friend from childhood. Together, Roger and Marty traveled extensively, experiencing many of the world’s most extraordinary places.
Those who knew Roger remember his calm presence, understated humor, kindness, unwavering focus, and meticulous craftsmanship. Whether caring for patients or laying 10,000 driveway bricks by hand, he approached every task with dedication and excellence. A lifelong musician, he expressed his love through composition, writing “Marty’s Song” on piano for his wife’s 60th birthday and “Go Forth in Joy,” an organ processional for his daughter’s wedding.
He is remembered and survived by his daughter Emily Jones Chaikin (Erik), sons Patrick Roland Jones (Catherine Mountjoy) and Nathaniel Austin Jones (Kathryn Stahl), grandchildren Andrew, Alex, Elliott, Emma, Marshall and Jacob, sister Gerry Linda Jones (Daniel Norrick). He is preceded in death by his wife Martha “Marty” Roland Jones and brother John Richard Jones.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions in Roger’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or the Bruton Parish Church Foundation (PO Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187).
A memorial service and internment will be held at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA on July 11, 2026 at 2PM. A gathering will follow at The Parish House, 331 Duke of Gloucester Street.
