Dr. Basil Clinton Jones died peacefully on Jan. 14. He was 93.

He was born on March 10, 1927, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a World War II veteran, anesthesiologist, husband and father. At the time of his death he and his wife Marcie had been married for 67 years. Marcie survives him and continues to reside in the room they shared at Windemere Nursing Home on their beloved Martha’s Vineyard.

Known for his gregarious personality, Basil also enjoyed his quiet times reading, woodworking, charting the stars and weaving. He was a proud graduate of Boys High in Brooklyn with many of his classmates becoming lifelong friends. Stoked by intellect and resolve, after serving in the war Basil graduated from Howard University and Howard Medical School, class of 1956.

Establishing a lovely home in Brooklyn with his wife, two daughters and mother in law, he worked hard and established with his colleagues the first African American anesthesiology practice that serviced hospitals throughout Brooklyn and Queens. Even with his hectic work schedule, he found time to play golf and be an active member of Alpha Sigma Boule and The Guardsmen.

After retiring, he and Marcie decided to leave Brooklyn and permanently live on the Vineyard where they had summered with family since they visited on their honeymoon. On the Island, Basil was an active member of the Rotary Club, where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Award in 2019 for his contribution to the club, and the 1st and 3rd Club. He enjoyed playing golf and poker, and always looked forward to his Saturday morning breakfasts with the boys.

He loved life, and as his body began to fail him and the things he loved most began being difficult to do, he maintained his joy as best he could.

In addition to his wife Marcie, he is survived by a brother Howard Jones; daughters Andrea Jones and Allison Crooker; niece Lauren Jones Wannamaker; sons in law Evelio Grillo and Brad Crooker; grandchildren Christina Grillo and Saamra Mekuria-Grillo; and numerous club members and friends who will remember him fondly.