Longtime educator dies at 64
|
?It?s a real shock to everyone who knew him,? said longtime friend Alpha Rhea, a teacher at West Elementary where Jones was principal for 15 years. ?He always had a smile. He made us feel like family.?
Jones retired from his position as principal at West in 2003, capping a long career in education which began here in 1965 when he began at City High. It was during his early days at City High when he coached the boys basketball team to the state tournament two consecutive years.
?He has the distinction of being the only person here I know of to play in the state basketball tournament when he was a student in Smithville, then coach a team in the state tournament with the McMinnville City teams, and then go on to officiate a state basketball tournament as an official,? said Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale, who knew Jones since he began his teaching career here. ?He went on from there to coach several other sports like baseball, golf and was the girls coach at the junior high.?
Fellow educators said Jones always put the students first, showing genuine concern for their well-being and education.
?After he retired he would come back and visit and encourage the students,? Rhea said. ?He wanted the students to be glad to be at school.?
Dr. Hale said Jones? love for his profession showed in the success he had as a teacher, coach and mentor.
?He was a good educator and a good friend,? Hale said. ?He was a very supportive person and he cared about the kids. We?re all very saddened and our hearts go out to his family.?
In addition to his work in the school system, Jones was known by many local radio listeners as one of the voices for Pioneer football. He worked as color commentator with WAKI for 28 years, retiring from the air in 2003.
?He was teamed up with Jay Walker and Earl Duggin over the years,? said Clear Channel Radio general manager Bryan Kell. ?He was a familiar voice during football games for a long time here in Warren County.?
Services for Mr. Jones will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at McMinnville Funeral Home.