Willard F. Jones
Willard F. Jones I | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 February 1890 New York, United States |
| Died | 18 August 1967 (aged 77) White Plains Hospital, Westchester County, New York, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Naval architect, corporate leader, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1913–1955 (Gulf Oil), consultant until 1967 |
| Known for | Vice President and general manager at Gulf Oil; contributions to oil tanker design and crude oil transportation |
Willard F. Jones I (February 27, 1890 – August 18, 1967) was an American professional known for his work as a naval architect, corporate leader, and philanthropist. He held the positions of general manager and Vice President at Gulf Oil from the late 1930s through the 1950s. Jones was instrumental in streamlining the transportation of crude oil from regions such as Venezuela, the Persian Gulf, and Kuwait to the United States during the early decades of the 20th century.
Early life and education
Born on February 27, 1890, in New York, Jones was the son of William F. Jones I, a shipping agent of Anglo-Welsh heritage, and Mary Ellen Jones (née Shannon), who was of Irish ancestry. He had three younger siblings: Helen, Herbert, and Mary. His initial maritime experience began as a deck boy aboard the tanker Northeastern, which was chartered by J.M. Guffey Petroleum Company, a predecessor to Gulf Oil.
By the age of 20, Jones had progressed to the role of purchasing agent for oil transport. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cooper Union and pursued further graduate studies at both Columbia School of Mines and Harvard Business School.
Career
Following his graduation from Cooper Union, Jones took charge of Gulf Oil's Marine Department purchasing activities and managed small boat operations within New York Harbor starting in 1913. His career advanced steadily; by 1918 he was appointed Assistant Marine Superintendent and became a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. In 1929, he was elevated to Marine Superintendent at Gulf Oil.
Jones gained recognition as a prominent marine engineer and naval architect, contributing to the design of large-scale oil tankers for Gulf Oil over several decades. His service duration of 52 years remains the longest in Gulf Oil’s history. He rose to general manager in 1936 and was promoted to Vice President in 1949 before retiring in 1955.
During his tenure as general manager and Vice President, Jones played a pivotal role in expanding Gulf Oil’s crude oil imports from Kuwait, which was becoming an important supplier to the U.S. Alongside Robert E. Garret, he directed efforts to build a fleet of supertankers designed to satisfy increasing domestic petroleum demand. He also championed initiatives to enhance import operations by advocating for improved navigation access to Florida’s Port St. Joe channel—the eastern endpoint of the southeastern pipeline—following World War II.
In addition to his responsibilities at Gulf Oil, Jones held influential positions beyond the company: he served as chairman of the American Committee of Lloyd's Register of Shipping during World War II; acted as General Chairman for the Marine Section of the National Safety Council between 1947 and 1948; chaired the tanker committee within the American Petroleum Institute; was a director at the American Merchant Marine Institute; and presided over the Propeller Club in 1955.
Personal life, death, and legacy
In 1916, Jones wed Ruth Black, who descended from the distinguished naval lineages of the Perry and Rodgers families. Together, they had two sons: Willard E. Jones of the US Navy, who lived in Clearwater, Florida, and Lloyd P. Jones, based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Jones played a key role in 1955 by arranging transportation for Bassett Maguire’s significant expedition into the Guyana Highlands, which resulted in the identification of the sandstone formation known as Cerro de la Neblina.
He maintained a close relationship with William Larimer Mellon Sr., the founder of Gulf Oil, exchanging letters with him up until Mellon's passing in 1949.
Upon retiring from Gulf Oil, Jones was recognized as one of the most extensively experienced executives within the American marine sector. He remained active as a consultant in naval architecture and maritime operations until he passed away on August 18, 1967, at White Plains Hospital located in Westchester County, New York. His Requiem Mass was conducted at St. Anselm's Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Jones was laid to rest at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn alongside his wife and members of her family.