In Memoriam: Arizona’s Paul H. Jones, “Mr. Insurance of Arizona,” Dies

Paul H. Jones, recognized as “Mr. Insurance of Arizona,” died on Dec. 30, 2006.

Jones was born on Oct. 4, 1910, in Los Angeles, attended public school in Pomona, Calif., and subsequently moved to Arizona. He attended college at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M., followed by the University of Arizona.

He was extremely active in civic activities and served as president of the Tucson YMCA, United Fund, Tucson Kiwanis Club, Tucson Medical Center Hospital, Better Business Bureau, Tucson Airport Authority, and mnay others.

Jones started his insurance career in 1934 with Tucson Realty & Trust Co., and opened his own agency in 1950. He received his CPCU designation in 1954, and was a member of the national and local Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. He was president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Tucon from 1945 to 1946. He also was president of the Independent Insurance Agents of America from 1959 to 1960.

He received many awards, including: 1960 University of Arizona’s 75th Anniversary Award of Merit, 1975 Hall of Fame for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona, 1977 University of Arizona’s Distinguished Citizen Award, and the 1980 Lamp of Knowledge from the Southern Arizona Chapter Society of CPCU. The Independent Insurance Agents established the “Paul H. Jones” award in 1960, one of the association’s highest honors, demonstrating the extreme esteem the association held for him. He was named “Mr. Insurance of Arizona” in 1990 when the Tucson Big I held a lunchen in honor of him.

Funeral arrangements are for 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at St. Marks Presbyterian Church, 3809 East 3rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85716. Phone: 520-325-1001. Services are open to the public.

Insurance Journal regrets the loss.