Calvin was born to Georgianna and Calvin Jones Sr. in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and spent much of his childhood in Cumberland, along with his younger brother Rob. The first of his family to attend college, he made it to Dartmouth College through his hard work and exceptional intellect. He was drafted into the US Army two years later. During his five years in the Army, he served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, ultimately flying over 1300 hours in combat missions, earning a Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal, and 53 Air Medals, and achieving the rank of Captain. After he completed his active service and instructor duties, he returned to Dartmouth, graduating in 1973 with a degree in government, making his living by playing music in a rock band. He went on to graduate studies in political science at the University of Chicago.

While in graduate school, he began his long career in the design and implementation of complex and large-scale survey-based policy research, first working with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. He later joined Abt Associates to establish its Chicago office and survey operations. In the mid-1990s he moved to Washington, DC, where he founded his own consulting company, Statistical and Evaluation Research, through which he continued to deploy his expertise in the evaluation of important policy issues.

In the mid-1990s, he met his partner of the last 25 years, Monica Noether. Together they enjoyed traveling the world, experiencing nature, exploring new restaurants, visiting craft fairs and art galleries, and working through many, many crosswords. He was also a huge part of her childrens' lives, and, though he would never admit it, goofing off with them came naturally to him. He took great joy in introducing them to music and movies, convincing them to be technology early-adopters (like him), and teaching them to explore a world outside their comfort zone.

Calvin moved to Pomfret, Vermont in 2014, where he found his true home. In Vermont, Calvin volunteered both his analytical insights, based on his career in federal policy, and his considerable photography skills to local non-profit organizations that focused on addressing underserved health care needs. As he gradually entered retirement, he focused increasingly on his life-long passion for photography, both in Vermont and on trips all over the world. He maintained a website with some of his favorites at http://www.CalvinJonesPhotography.com . He seemed to be at his happiest in Pomfret, involved in the community, but able to retreat to his quiet home and watch the wildlife go by.

Calvin always sought the best from life, whether it be wine, cheese, movies, music, or political insights and was eager to share these with those he cared for. The only thing he loved more than an aged cheddar from a small Vermont creamery or watching The Commitments on St. Patrick's Day was sharing it with his friends and family. If you were lucky enough to know Calvin, you knew him to be the most thoughtful gift giver, and you have countless emails with recommendations for things to eat, drink, watch, read, or listen to.

Perhaps people will most remember Calvin for his approach to conversations. Whether discussing politics, science, technology, art, or even the weather, Calvin always had a strong opinion, and expected others would also have and defend well-informed, reasoned, and highly-sourced views. Calvin asked probing questions and attacked weak lines of logic with arguments based on facts and information about which you were likely unaware. While this could have felt like an interrogation, it so clearly came from a place of love, respect, and the desire to both learn from and teach others, that it was (almost) always a joyous exercise.

Calvin was dedicated and hard-working as well as a keen observer and fastidious collector and curator of the world around him. He was also a man of his word, fiercely loyal, and patient and kind with his wisdom and his love. Above all else, Calvin sought to elevate those lucky enough to be around him, and in doing so greatly enriched their lives.

Calvin will be deeply missed by his partner Monica Noether, her children Braden and Shannon Harvey, their partners Paige DiMambro Harvey and Will Steinhardt, his granddaughter Amelia Rose Harvey, and his many friends. Donations can be made in his name to Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center ( http://www.mtascutneyhospital.org/ ) and Zack's Place ( http://www.zacksplacevt.org/ ), two Vermont organizations with which he volunteered. A memorial will be held to share memories in Vermont when it is safe to gather together.