Dr. John O. Jones; Helped Found Simi Hospital

Dr. John O. Jones, a physician who was one of the first to practice medicine in Simi Valley and helped establish Simi Valley Hospital, has died. He was 81.

He died Sunday in the hospital he helped found. The cause was pneumonia, said his daughter, Karyl Fisher.

Jones, a general practitioner, opened an office in Simi Valley in 1949, at first dividing his time between that city and Moorpark, Fisher said. At the time, the nearest hospital was in Oxnard, and for many baby deliveries, Jones did not find it worth making the trip.

“Before they built a hospital, he would deliver a lot of babies just in his office,” Fisher said.

Hospital officials said Jones was instrumental in founding the institution, doing everything from raising funds to recruiting doctors to donating the land on which the hospital sits.

“Dr. John O. Jones is the single most important person to whom this hospital attributes its existence. No other person deserves more credit,” said Alan J. Rice, president of the hospital.

Born in Oklahoma, Jones grew up in Kansas and was a teacher before attending Loma Linda University Medical School. He served as a doctor in the Army during World War II.

In addition to Fisher, of Auburn, he leaves his wife of 56 years, Bernice Jones; son John S. Jones of Grand Terrace; brother Harold Jones of Simi Valley; sister Marie Lukens of Arvin; and three grandchildren.

Arrangements for a memorial service were not yet settled Monday. Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village is assisting with the planning.