Florida – The journalism world mourns the loss of Phil Jones, a highly respected CBS News correspondent who dedicated over three decades to the field. Phil Jones passed away at the age of 87 this past weekend at his home in Florida, leaving behind a legacy of fearless and impactful reporting.
Jones, who began his illustrious career with CBS News in 1967, quickly rose through the ranks during a period when Walter Cronkite was the anchor of the CBS Evening News. Known for his tenacity and commitment to uncovering the truth, Jones earned a place among the esteemed group of reporters affectionately called "Cronkite’s Kids."
Throughout his career, Jones was celebrated for his exceptional reporting, particularly his Emmy-winning coverage of the Vietnam War. His ability to convey the realities of the conflict with clarity and compassion cemented his reputation as one of the leading journalists of his time.
In Washington, Jones became a fixture in political reporting, covering significant events such as the Watergate scandal and serving as a White House correspondent during the Ford administration. His insightful reporting on the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton further demonstrated his expertise and integrity in handling complex political matters.
Jones was also known for his relentless pursuit of stories, often going to great lengths to uncover the truth. His commitment to journalism was exemplified by his work with "48 Hours," where he once traversed the jungles of Burma on a mule in search of a notorious drug kingpin.
Upon his retirement in 2001, after 32 years with CBS News, Jones was praised by his colleague Eric Engberg, who remarked that "every lying, conniving, thieving, sniveling politician in Washington is going to sleep better with you gone." This statement highlights the impact Jones had on journalism and his unwavering dedication to holding those in power accountable.
Phil Jones is survived by his son, Paul, and daughter, Pam. His legacy will be remembered and celebrated by many, both within the journalism community and beyond.