The Alabama State University family has lost a well-loved alumnus, faculty member and former track star, Dr. John H. Jones, who died Aug. 6 at age 88.
 
Growing up in Woodbury, N.J., Jones became a standout for his high school track and field team from 1936 to 1939. During his senior year he was elected captain of his team, was the highest point winner as a sprinter and high jumper, and was the first-place winner in the high jump at the state championships.
 
After high school Jones headed south to attend Alabama State College, where his skills would be refined by track coach Dave Albritton, a 1936 Olympic medalist.  
 
Jones became an instant standout for Alabama State's track and field team. As a sprinter and high jumper he represented ASU at several major events, including the Madison Square Garden Indoor Meet and Drake Relays at Marquette University and the Penn Relays, where he placed first in the high jump.

He was a gold and silver medalist at the second Alabama State Relays in the high jump and the sprint relays; he placed first and third in the Amateur Athletic Union National Junior and Senior Championships; and he leaped 6 feet 4 inches for first place in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference meet.

Jones was able to cultivate a full and rewarding life at ASU. The school provided the backdrop for Jones to meet his future wife, Faustina. Students at the college also worked under Dr. Jones' direction in the Sunday school program, the library workshop, as well as academic and remedial programs.

After graduating in 1947, Jones accepted the job as ASU's new head track and field coach and served for 13 years (1948-61). He was recognized for his commitment and accomplishments with a 1993 induction into the Southwest Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

A consummate athlete, Jones shifted gears in the early 1980s and became a member of the Eastdale Mall Ice Skating Club. In 1985 he won four gold medals and a silver medal when he competed in five events at the United States Recreational Team Championships.

Jones' pursuit of excellence on and off the track still inspires and motivates former ASU track athletes and alumni.
 
Former track students demonstrated their appreciation by organizing the John H. Jones Scholarship for English and public speaking majors. The award is presented each year to a freshman student who plans to major in English.
 
In 1989, former members of Jones' 1948-57 track teams gathered for their first-ever reunion in the Shoney's restaurant in Montgomery.
 
“When I met Mr. Jones this past spring, it was a great experience,” said Ritchie Beene, ASU's current track and field head coach. “There is no doubt that he is a pioneer for track and field at ASU and I believe that he left a great legacy for our university.”