Brooklyn Bar hosts third annual Memorial Golf Outing

April 28, 2015 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Executive Director of the Brooklyn Bar Association Avery Eli Okin, President Rebecca Woodland and T.J. Jones at the third annual Hon. Theodore T. Jones Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

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The Brooklyn Bar Association held its third annual Hon. Theodore T. Jones Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament at the Colonia Country Club in New Jersey on Monday.

The outing was held in honor of Appellate Judge Jones, a beloved and universally respected member of Brooklyn’s legal community, who passed away in 2012. Jones’ passion for golf was well known, and many of the golfers participating in the outing recalled playing with him at the golf course over the years.

“This course is particularly warm to my heart because of those many days that I spent playing with him here several years ago,” said Frank V. Carone, head of the committee in charge of organizing the event. “I know a lot of golfers who had the same enjoyment playing with him. He was great company, always. As a mentor and source of wise golf counsel, he was without equal … everyone in this room who knew him, loved him.”

The bar association reported that the outing was a huge success; it was able to get sponsors for every hole and more. As a result, President Rebecca Woodland announced that even more money will be contributed to a law school scholarship in Jones’ name.

“On May 13 we’re going to award our first of an annual scholarship to a deserving law student,” Woodland said.

The scholarship will be given to a student from Brooklyn Law School — alma mater of Judge Jones.

Brooklyn Bar Association Executive Director Avery Eli Okin then presented an array of huge trophies to winners that day in the sport that Ted Jones loved. Included were the usual awards that amateur golfers dream about: longest drive for those over 50 (247 yards won) and longest drive for those under 50 (279 yards won).

Despite the lengthy time commitment — or because of it — golf is a game that lawyers can love; it requires strategy, self-control, proper preparation and sometimes moving on after an unfavorable verdict.

A number of old timers showed their short game skills by winning closest to the pin.

Jones’ son, Theodore T. Jones III took part in the event. He was sad to report that his mother could not be there with them, but the reason was joyous. His grandmother, who just turned 100, was visiting them at home. “T.J.,” as he is called, presented a check from her to benefit the Brooklyn Bar Association Foundation.

“We had a wonderful time today, as in years past,” Jones III said. “I wanted to let you know that my family really appreciates the continued love.”