Wendell R. Jones, Bowling Green State University’s first full-time percussion faculty member who
pioneered and promoted the study of jazz performance at the University, died June 17 at Wood County
Hospital. He was 82.
He was widely known throughout the state and especially northwest Ohio as a strong advocate for music
education, particularly percussion instruments. He excelled at playing the marimba and its electronic
cousin the vibraphone and performed as a soloist with several ensembles as well as his own Wendell Jones
Trio at functions throughout the area.
After he retired from BGSU in 1992, he enjoyed a second career as a lawyer, having earned a law degree
from the University of Toledo in 1985. He served as acting assistant prosecutor for the City of
Perrysburg in 1988 but most of his legal work was in handling appeals cases.
He was a consummate storyteller who could entertain and amuse people on a variety of topics, especially
related to his music and legal experiences.
"He was a fabulous percussionist and as a jazz vibraphonist was world class," said Roger
Schupp, a professor and percussionist in the Department of Performance Studies at BGSU.
Jones was born in 1932 in Dayton to James and Eva Jones and developed his love for music at an early age
picking out tunes on a toy xylophone. His parents bought him a marimba and he later added the
vibraphone, a staple of jazz combos.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education at Ohio State. When he first enrolled the music school
had no percussion teacher and he was told to study voice. Fortunately, things changed and he became
OSU’s first percussion graduate. He was especially proud of his association with the Ohio State Marching
band.
After graduation, he taught and was a free-lance musician in the Columbus area, including a stint as
staff musician with WCMH-TV. He also was the featured marimba player with the Xavier Cugat band, a
legendary Latin American ensemble.
He has performed with many touring musical groups, including Melissa Manchester, Frankie Laine, Bob Hope,
Glen Campbell, John Davidson and Harry Belafonte. He also was a long-time member of the Toledo Symphony
Orchestra.
Before joining the BGSU faculty in 1967, he taught briefly at Ashland College and Adrian College.
At BGSU he introduced the study and performance of jazz, which at that time was not commonly a part of
collegiate music curricula. He was a founding member of the BGSU Jazz Ensemble as well as several
student groups including the Marimba Sextet.
He brought many jazz artists to BGSU starting in the early 1970s. A key component of those visits was the
performers spending time interacting with students as well as formal concerts.
Jones was greatly interested in his students and worked tirelessly to develop their musical talent and
growth. Not only was he supportive of them as undergraduates, he kept track of many of them after they
graduated and they remained in touch with him. He was at his happiest when working with students.
In 1980 he was instrumental in starting Jazz Week at BGSU, which continued to bring noted jazz artists to
the campus to perform and meet with students. He often played the vibes with the performers, including
Marion McPartland, the first lady of jazz; Clark Terry, Jiggs Wigham, Art Van Damme and Urbie Green.
He also applied for and received several grants to support jazz on campus.
His work was rewarded in 1988 when the College of Musical Arts announced it was offering a bachelor of
music degree with an emphasis in jazz.
He retired from the University in 1992 as a Professor Emeritus of Performance Studies.
In 2001, Jones recorded a CD of his music with longtime colleagues, bassist Jeff Halsey and Chris
Buzzelli on guitar.
He was active in the community and served two terms on Bowling Green’s City Council where he was an
advocate for an inspection and licensing program for rental units in Bowling Green.
In 1967, he married Carol Weis and she survives along with his daughter Janet Jones of Gahanna and
stepson Jack Brinker of Frisco, Colorado. A brother James Jones of Dayton also survives him. Another
brother Earl Jones preceded him in death.
"Without question he was one of the most sincere, caring, giving individuals I have had the pleasure
to know," said Schupp. "His love for Carol and their children was beyond question."
The family is grateful for the care and concern given to Jones by Home Healthcare Specialist Dan Drury
the past several years.
A memorial service will be held at the 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Trinity United Methodist Church
in Bowling Green.
Arrangements are being handled by Dunn Funeral Home, Bowling Green.
Donations in Jones’ memory can be made to the Wood County Hospital Rehabilitation Center.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
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