JONES, PAUL K. (17 June 1904-8 Feb. 1993) instrumental in the development of SHAKER HTS., was born in Lonaconing, Md., the son of Joseph H. and Myrtle Geary Jones. After two years at Potomac State College in Keyser, W. Va., he was employed by U.S. Aluminum Co. which transferred him to Cleveland. In 1923, Jones went to work for the Van Sweringens, studying architecture at JOHN HUNTINGTON POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE and corporate finance at Cleveland College part time. As an engineer for the brothers, he helped develop Shaker Heights, construct the Terminal Tower complex, and lay out the Shaker Heights Rapid Transit line. When the city of Shaker Heights bought the line in 1944, Jones, the Rapid's assistant manager, became the municipality's first director of transportation, in charge of its operation. When Shaker Heights mayor Wilson Stapleton took a leave of absence in 1961, Jones was appointed Mayor and was reelected several times, serving through 1973. As mayor, he actively opposed construction of the Clark Freeway (I-270) through the city, which would eliminate the SHAKER LAKES. The controversy lasted until 1968 when the project was dropped due to a new federal law prohibited freeway building in public parks. This led to the organization of the Shaker Lakes Regional Nature Center to protect them from future incursions.
Jones married Flora Lucille Fertig 3 Sept. 1926, and they had a son Herbert who died in 1983. A Shaker Heights resident, Jones was buried at LAKE VIEW CEMETERY.