The family of Phil B. Jones, a respected Washington County farmer and community leader, is pleased to announce the creation of the Phil B. Jones Family Scholarship to support local high school students pursuing degrees in agriculture, communications, and related fields at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Family and friends established the scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Phil B. Jones, who earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s degree in journalism from the U. of I. He began his career at Successful Farming magazine before returning to the family farm in Washington County with his wife, Judy, and their children, Susi, Ed, and Jim. Known for his belief in the power of education, Phil encouraged young people to pursue higher education by taking advantage of scholarships and grants to make college more affordable.

Led by Phil’s brother, Claude Jones, the family established this scholarship to honor Phil’s memory and invest in the future of Washington County youth.

A public open house celebrating the scholarship will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at the St. Paul United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 330 N. Buhrman St., Nashville, Illinois. Community members are invited to attend, meet the Jones family, and help honor Phil’s legacy by supporting the next generation of changemakers.

“This scholarship reflects the college’s commitment to cultivating socially responsible leaders and advancing agricultural innovation, consumer impact, and environmental stewardship across the state and beyond,” said Stacey Cole, director of development in the College of ACES.

Scholarship announcements will be shared on local high school websites and in the Washington County News.

For more information about the scholarship or event, contact Claude Jones at claudelowelljones@gmail.com or 714-349-1530. RSVPs before July 21 are appreciated but not required.

To support the Phil B. Jones Family Scholarship, visit aces.illinois.edu/give, select “Other” as the gift designation, and enter “Phil B. Jones Family Scholarship - 777576." To explore giving opportunities, contact Stacey Cole at 217-244-1676 or smcole@illinois.edu.