Phil Jones, Esteemed CBS News Correspondent, Passes Away at 87

Phil Jones, a distinguished CBS News correspondent, passed away at the age of 87 at his home in Florida, leaving behind a son, Paul, and a daughter, Pam. He joined CBS News in 1967 during the era of Walter Cronkite as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, quickly earning the moniker of one of "Cronkite's Kids."

Jones' exceptional talent in journalism was recognized early on when he won an Emmy for his compelling coverage of the Vietnam War. His reporting prowess extended to the political arena in Washington, where he fearlessly probed into major events such as the Watergate scandal. Later, he took on the role of White House correspondent during the Ford administration and reported on the impeachment trial of then-President Bill Clinton. Jones' relentless pursuit of the truth was exemplified when he ventured into Burma on a mule to investigate drug trafficking for a story on "48 Hours."

In 2001, after an illustrious 32-year tenure at CBS News, Jones retired, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues and the field of journalism. Colleague Eric Engberg remarked, "Every lying, conniving, thieving, sniveling politician in Washington is going to sleep better with you gone," highlighting Jones' relentless pursuit of storytelling and the truth.

Continuing CBS News Coverage

Despite his passing, Phil Jones' legacy continues to resonate within CBS News and the wider journalistic community. His dedication to pursuing the truth, fearlessly reporting on political matters, and his impactful storytelling will be remembered and celebrated by current and future generations of journalists.

Phil Jones' contributions to the field of journalism, particularly at CBS News, have left an indelible mark on the industry that will be felt for years to come.