Henry Graham Jones

H. Graham Jones

July 21, 1927 - March 27, 2023

Graham was born July 21, 1927 in London, England to H. Francis Jones and Mary (Burtt) Jones. Graham attended two schools affiliated with the Quakers: The Downs School (Malvern, England) and Leighton Park School (Reading, England) and concluded his education in Britain at Cambridge University's Trinity Hall College. At Trinity Hall, Graham received a BA and MA in Physics and was a member of the Trinity Hall Rowing Club. Graham came to the United States in 1948 to attend a PhD program in Theoretical Physics at Cornell University, studying under renowned physicists Niels Bohr, Hans Bethe, and Richard Fynman, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.

From 1952-1955 Graham served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant fire control radar systems instructor during the Korean War, in Aberdeen, MD. During that time his first two children were born, Gillian and Mark. The year before Graham's time with the Army and for 25-years after, Graham helped develop IBM's scientific computing markets. Graham was assigned to a broad range of groundbreaking projects including the development of the first heart-lung machine, management of the company's ballistic missile defense program and collaboration on some of the fastest most powerful super-computers in the world. Graham married Amber Butterfield in 1972 and in due time was joined by sons Spencer and Keith. They relocated to Albany, NY in 1980. Graham subsequently retired from IBM and was appointed the Executive Director of the New York State Science & Technology Foundation under Governor Mario Cuomo, where he guided State funding for technology based economic development projects to educational institutions, think tanks, and research and development organizations. Graham's work helped to elevate New York's status as a global destination for technology education and R&D.

Throughout his career and more so after his retirement from State service in 1995, Graham volunteered his time with many organizations he held closely. During his time as the Chairman of the Nationwide Council of State Science and Technology Officials, he was a leading contributor to State and National science policy. He was a dedicated board member to many local organizations including WMHT, Albany Pro Musica, and the Shaker Heritage Society. Graham and Amber were perennial supporters of many Albany institutions including the Albany Symphony, USS Slater, and The Albany Academies. A longtime member of the Schuyler Meadows Club, Graham enjoyed playing competitive tennis into his 80s, regularly attending Friday "Bar Association" meetings in the Tap Room, and serving the Membership as a Board Member and President for many years.

Surviving Graham are his wife of 51-years, Amber Jones, his four children Gillian (Brian) McNamee, Mark (Marget) Jones, Spencer (Stacy) Jones and Keith (Karisa) Jones and 11 grandchildren. Graham is also survived by his late sister Marian (Murray) Scrimgeour's five children in Scotland, England and Australia, Ann (Charles) Bell, Jane (Ian) Gibson, John (his late wife, Fiona) Scrimgeour, Graham (Sally) Scrimgeour, David (Anna) Scrimgeour, his cousin Christine (Peter) Handsley (England), and his late cousin Peter Jones' widow, Mary Jones (England), and cousin Colin (Ellen) Jones (Wales).

Graham's passions centered around his genuine interests to engage and learn from those around him. Friends, co-workers, grandchildren, or neighbors could all expect to laugh, debate and be challenged when conversing with him. His intellectual intensity was particularly evident when he was helping his children with their math or science homework. Graham's ideal day began with the preparation of a proper bacon and eggs breakfast, followed by The New York Times Sunday crossword. Upon completion, he could be found on his 24' ladder clearing gutters or tending to his beloved "Grandpa's Garden." After a long day of yardwork, nothing made him happier than getting cleaned up and socializing with family and friends over a martini and a shared meal. To that end, a celebration of his memory will be held at the Schuyler Meadows Club on Saturday, April 15th from noon until 3:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to WMHT (www.WMHT.org), Albany Pro Musica (www.AlbanyProMusica.org) or the Shaker Heritage Society of New York (www.ShakerHeritage.org).