A FRIEND TO MANY: Landon Jones, shown here in his younger years, is remembered by friends for his many unique qualities. (Photo courtesy of the Jones family)

By Anne Levin

To his many friends, Landon “Lanny” Jones, who died Saturday, August 17 at the age of 80, had a natural gift for connecting people and exploring new paths and interests.

A graduate of Princeton University’s class of 1966, Jones was a writer and former editor of People magazine, the Princeton Alumni Weekly (PAW), and Money magazine. His most recent book, Celebrity Nation, was published in 2023. A complete obituary is on page 27.

“Lanny was a unique and loyal friend,” wrote Michael Mathews in an email. “He knew everyone and was generous in making connections among his friends. Though intensely competitive in tennis and squash, he was always a gentleman. Lanny was intellectually curious and anxious to explore new paths. He continued asking questions to the end. He will be missed by so many.”

Barbara Webb wrote, “It was a privilege to be his friend. Lanny was brilliant, curious, kind, and always generous with his time. He had a certain youthful sparkle that age, even illness could not diminish. I will miss him.”

Scott McVay first met Jones in the fall of 1967, when Jones was editor of the PAW and McVay was working in the Princeton University president’s office in Nassau Hall.

“He invited me to write an obituary of Harry Hess, the eminent professor and geologist,” McVay recalled. “He also published a science article I wrote in the PAW. Those were my two closest connections with him at that time.”

McVay noted that Jones was the lead recruiter for speakers at weekly meetings of The Old Guard of Princeton, an organization of retired or semi-retired men and women who live in or near the town. “He brought in over 100 speakers for the more than 200 members who I’d call lifelong learners,” McVay said. “Once he said, ‘I used to be a writer and editor, and now I’m an introducer for The Old Guard.’ ”

In a PAW article from December 11, 2020, Jones detailed a meeting with Princess Diana that led to her agreeing to collaborate on a charity event for Pediatric AIDS in the U.S. Jones served as one of her escorts for the gala in Chicago.

“The princess was charming, witty, charismatic, compassionate, and totally professional,” Jones wrote. “The palace said I could have the first dance with her, provided I met three conditions. First, I had to be a good dancer. Check! Second, I had to be happily married. Check! Third, I had to be 6’ tall. Oh, well.”

In the end, they raised $1.4 million for the charity.

“That story he told on himself helps to understand who he was,” said McVay. “He had great capacity as a storyteller.”