[1] In 2004, Roosevelt University awarded Jones a Doctorate of Humane Letters Honoris Causa Degree.

Chicago State University awarded Jones an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

The son of a bailiff[2] who was Chicago Democratic precinct captain, Jones began his political career working for John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election.

After Obama urged Jones to change his mind, Jones released a statement saying he would call the Senate into session, saying in a statement: "I plan to call the Senate back into session to deal with the issue of ethics, only at the request of my friend Barack Obama.

[5] Jones had feuds during his time in office with other Democrats, most notably House Speaker Michael Madigan.

[8] Jones teamed with fellow Chicago Democrat Blagojevich to propose plans for health care and education, paid for by $5 billion in increased business taxes and gambling.

When asked who would replace him on the ballot, his spokesperson said, "His preference, yes, would be to see his son Emil Jones, III serve," which has prompted criticism and been described as "anointing one of his children to take over for him.

"[12] During his time in the General Assembly, Jones had advocated for such issues as funding public education in Illinois.