Remembering Phil Jones, Longtime CBS Reporter and Moffitt Board of Advisor Member
Phil Jones, longtime CBS News correspondent and a member of Moffitt Cancer Center’s National Board of Advisors has died. He was 87.
During his distinguished journalism career spanning more than 30 years, Jones became well-known for covering major events, including the Vietnam War, earning him an Emmy for his extensive reporting. He also covered the Watergate scandal, further solidifying his reputation as a respected journalist.
As a cancer survivor, Jones was an advocate for cancer research and access to innovative care.
Jones later served as a White House correspondent during the Ford administration and as chief Capitol Hill correspondent, covering the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton.
From 1990 to 1995, Jones worked as a correspondent for the CBS program “48 Hours,” reporting on various domestic and international stories. During his time on the show, he earned six Emmy Awards for his outstanding journalism.
In 2001 he retired from CBS News, but that didn’t stop him from reporting. A true journalist at heart, Jones spoke openly about his experience being diagnosed with myelodysplasia in 2012.
He shared a first-person account in Moffitt’s Momentum magazine, recounting his experience as the first 75-year-old patient at Moffitt to receive a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor.
Jones credited Moffitt for giving him the gifts of hope and time, as other centers were not willing to treat his condition with a bone marrow transplant at his age and gave him only a short time to live.
As a cancer survivor and advocate for cancer research and access to innovative cancer care, Jones joined Moffitt’s National Board of Advisors in 2013.
In this role, he acted as an ambassador for the cancer center providing expertise and guidance. Jones also served on the Public Relations and Marketing Committee, contributing to Moffitt’s strategic direction.
According to CBS News, Jones passed away at his home over the weekend. He is survived by his son Paul and daughter Pam.
As Moffitt mourns the loss of Jones, the institution remains committed to honoring his legacy of tenacity, strength and determination.
