Mr. Bill, I have so many memories with you, riding, building Nate's birthday dirt bike, wrenching on your vintage bikes, taking pictures etc.  Rest well my friend, I miss you.

Debbie, Cody and Jessica, your dad was a wonderful soul and a great friend.  I hope you soon find peace in his passing.

From Bill's Eyes.

One quiet evening, Bill told me about the time he left home for college, he drove to the Chicago Art Institute and was excited and eager to learn. It didn't take long for him to draw many photo majors to his magnetic persona towards his fresh and unique vision.

A gifted artist, Bill liked the old well-polished glass of the Leica's and Nikons, as educated photographers learn with time. He could break a hue in many tones by simply looking at it. His gravity to detail reflected on everything he saw and what he transformed with his hands.

One afternoon, he saw me shooting trees with black-and white film at my daughter's backyard. He said,

"Walter, have you tried the 25 red filter to increase the contrast of the leaves?"

I had worked with infrared radiation in tissues while working at the hospital, but not as a biological photographer.

The next time I met him, he handed me his old Leica with a 25 red, and said, "try this." —without any instructions.

That Summer, as I was preparing for a print exhibit, I packed film cameras (including his gear) with me for a two-week trip to nature. Every time, I saw a stunning scene, I tried to learn more about the fine contrast between the sky, the waters, tree trunks, woody plants, green leaves and its parts. I couldn't wait to get back to the darkroom and process the film, and meet the unexpected, which was a journey to the unknown.

I'll miss you Professor.

I had the privilege of working alongside Bill Jones, but more than that, I had the honor of calling him a friend. Bill was truly one of a kind—patient, kind, wise, and endlessly curious. He was a natural teacher, always willing to share what he knew with grace and humility.

Bill was a renaissance man in the truest sense—his interests were wide-ranging, his mind always exploring. Whether he was deep in conversation, solving a problem, or capturing the world through his lens, Bill brought thoughtfulness and beauty to everything he did.

To understand Bill, all you had to do was look at his photography. Through his images, you could glimpse the quiet, profound way he saw the world—full of light, depth, and wonder.

His passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew him. He will be truly missed, and always remembered with great affection and gratitude.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Eric Stromquist

Hey guys, So sorry for your loss. The  story of Bill’s life was full and complete and he lived the way he knew best. He will be missed by all that knew him. My best wishes to all during this most difficult time. I will keep him in my thoughts as the family heals. 

With much respect, Alan G