Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

So sorry for your loss; I was out of town last week and just learned of Eric's passing. I only knew Eric in his official capacity as a Workers' Compensation Judge. He was a fair and impartial Judge and I learned much from practicing in front of him. But more important, he was also a very good man both on and off the record. Prayers for your family!!

Though a sometimes lawyer , and not involved with Worker's comp issues, I knew Eric as a Washington Co Bar member , we several times arranged to play golf together at the annual Bar picnic. Golf has a subliminal benefit as a round of golf will reveal both personality and character , when carefully observed. Eric had both , of the best sort. My condolences . kris vanderman , lawyer and rancher

Eric was a classmate at Duquesne Law School many years ago. He was a solid student and a careful observer. May you be comforted in your loss by your warm memories of him. Norma Caquatto

Eric was a true gentleman, both as an attorney and judge. He was the consummate professional. He will be missed.

Robb and all of the Jones family, It was about three years ago that I last saw Eric. Very sorry to hear of his passing. You have our deepest sympathies. Ed & Theresa Heckman Ed GCC 73 now live in Ellicott City MD. edheckman@hotmail.com

Very saddened to learn of Eric's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family. I first came to know Eric while litigating many Federal Black Lung cases against him in the late 1980's. He taught me much then and through the following years in workers' compensation litigation. Whether as an advocate or a judge, Eric always tried his very best to do the right thing. Rick Belkin

My condolences to Eric's family. He was a worthy adversary when he was in private practice and an outstanding Judge. I was always happy when my cases were assigned to him because I knew, win or lose, it would be the correct decision. I would tell my clients that we had one of the best judges on their case. Richard Schubert

Years ago Eric and I were young lawyers at different firms in the Frick Building. We shared thoughts on legal issues and later I appeared before him in numerous hearings when he was a judge. I am left with pleasant memories of all those times. I am sorry for the family's loss. Frank Pipak

On behalf of all the attorneys and staff of Woomer & Talarico, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Jones family. Judge Jones took his job very seriously, was always fair and furthered the Humanitarian purposes of the Workers' Compensation Act. He schooled me as a young a lawyer and I was better for it. He will be missed.

Eric Jones was one of a kind! I was privileged to have cases before him, but also to serve on some panels with him for the Bureau of Workers' Compensation Conference. He was always up to date on the most recent cases, which meant you had to "study up" before any hearings you attended--but he often pulled a case right off the Court website before a hearing, and wanted to quiz you and hear your thoughts! My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends. Barb Holmes

Thank you to all those who are offering up their memories of my older brother. We appreciate them very much. Let me add a little more detail to the life we are celebrating and commemorating next week. Eric was the oldest of five children. We lived together in Pittsburgh, in Harrisburg while our father worked in state government, back in Pittsburgh, then Duluth, Minnesota before returning to Pittsburgh again. A superb baseball player through his teens, Eric's athletic career was short-circuited by a knee injury when he played high school football for the first time his senior year at Upper St. Clair High School, where he graduated in 1969. Eric was a 1973 graduate of Grove City College, where he was a history major and enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He served his country after graduation, mostly directing USAF tactical jets based at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Following his military service he went to Duquesne Law School at night while working as a law clerk during the day for Lloyd Fuge in Clairton. After law school graduation he practiced at the Tillman & Thompson and one other Pittsburgh law firm, eventually gaining an appointment as a Pennsylvania Workers Compensation administrative law judge in 1991. He served over a quarter century in that role until his retirement in 2019, gaining a reputation, as many have noted, as an educator/mentor to junior judges, a frequent volunteer high school moot court judge, and a formidable questioner from the bench. As a lawyer myself, I was always impressed by his commitment to his job, his dedication to doing justice, and the high level of intellect he brought to his work. I had the honor of moving his admission to the U.S. Supreme Court when I worked there. We relatives have been sharing photos among ourselves and I include a few on the page so that others can share also.

I remember working with Eric at Tillman & Thompson. We had a lot of laughs while working there. I like to remember our Christmas luncheons with Chris and Domenica. We will miss you my friend. My condolences to your family.

I too knew Eric for many years, first as an opponent on workers comp cases and then as a fellow WCJ. We shared a strong interest in helping our fellow Judges. Eric was committed, thorough, faithful and honest. He will be missed.

Our condolences to Eric's family, friends, and colleagues. Judge Jones assisted us for many years as a judge for our high school mock trial competitions, educating hundreds of students over the years. His service both on that bench and as a Workers Compensation Judge have been and will be sorely missed and greatly appreciated.

Eric had a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes when he found something funny, his laugh was infectious 😅😅. He had a warm and loving countenance that made everyone feel welcome. I'm so happy to be a part of his life and his amazing family. ❤️ ❤️Number II

In 1981, Eric was one of a few who encouraged me to move to Pittsburgh and join him at Hirsch, Weise & Tillman. Thereafter, he was among the many wonderful mentors I had there, was a trusted colleague and advisor, and became a warm personal friend. Thank you, Eric. Cindy, you have our condolences and sympathies, and are in our prayers. - Chris and Annie Wildfire & family

I worked in the same office with Eric as a fellow workers' compensation judge for many years, first in Pittsburgh and later in Washington, PA. Eric was a mentor to me when I first started and he was incredibly generous with his time. His knowledge of workers' compensation law was second to none and there was no one more dedicated to their chosen career. He spent countless volunteer hours preparing and conducting seminars for lawyers and judges and also served as a volunteer coach and later a judge for mock trial competitions for high school students. I was shocked to hear of passing. Unfortunately, I am out of town and will not be able to attend the services, but I wanted to express my condolences to his family.

I work with Eric Jones as follow Workers' Compensation Judge for many years in Greensburg and Pittsburgh. He was very detail in his decisions considering different points of view before making his decisions. Sorry for your loss. Ada Guyton

So very sorry for the loss to the family. Prayers of comfort to you all during this difficult time

I am sorry for the family's loss. I truly enjoyed working with Eric and benefiting from his knowledge and smiling at his wry sense of humor. Ken Walsh

My condolences to the Jones Family. I served with Eric for many years as a Workers' Compensation Referee then as a Judge. As we served on opposite sides of the Commonwealth, I only saw him at our conferences and seminars. I always found him to be warm and engaging. He was a friendly face and a knowledgeable Judge. I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Sarah C. Makin

I had the honor of working with Eric as a fellow Workers' Compensation Judge. He was a source of knowledge and guidance. May God's Peace be with his family.

My condolences to Cindy and family and the Jones family. So sorry to hear about this sad news.

Sorry for your loss Cindy from the Russman family