In memoriam: John C. Jones

The Peddie School Sports Hall of Fame honors the memory of John C. Jones, who served the school from 1965, the year of his graduation from Brown University, until his early death in 1974. He was a bigger-than-life personality who inspired respect and affection in equal measure.

He was passionate about Peddie and his mission and loved working with Peddie students. His life and teaching here were marked by intelligence, energy, devotion and humor. A demanding and immensely popular Latin teacher, he also served Peddie as head varsity football coach, head varsity wrestling coach, Director of the Wok Program, Head of the Dining Hall, Dormitory Supervisor in Beekman and Coleman and founding member of the Student-Faculty Senate.

Boarding schools thrive on teachers who can contribute in many areas, but it still seems hard to believe that John could perform this balancing act with such skill, grace and pleasure. He was also a devoted husband and father, and his children, Jodi and John are both Peddie graduates. He was a model for students and alike, and Peddie was blessed by his presence. John Jones died 25 years ago this summer. We have his memory and his example, but there will not be another Jonesy.