Robert S. Jones, a HarperCollins veteran who became editor-in-chief in the spring, died of cancer in a New York hospital August 13. He was 47.
Jones joined Harper in the marketing department in 1985 and became an editor five years later. Among his authors were Russell Banks, Oscar Hijuelos, Armistead Maupin, Clive Barker and Denis Johnson. He wrote two novels, Force of Gravity (Viking, 1991) and Walking on Air (Houghton, 1995).
Jones was a noted mentor to younger editors at the house, and up to a week before his death continued to participate in editorial meetings by speaker phone from his hospital room.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jones's memory are encouraged. They should be made out to BIDMC and sent to Harvard Institute of Medicine, c/o Dr. Jerome Groopman, 4 Blackfriars Circle, Boston, Mass. 02115.
