Richard Rowland Jones

Richard Rowland Jones, also known to friends and family as “Richie” and “Dick” lived life to its fullest as a man who “never knew what ‘impossible’ meant.” That was the description of a young Dick Jones in a March 12, 1977, letter to the Editor of the Donora News. The description was aptly stated by Richard’s former high school football coach and described the way he lived from his earliest years as a child growing up in Donora, a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania, throughout his life. Following the death of his mother, Ruth Rowland Dennis, Richie Jones lived with his maternal Grandmother Sadie and Grandfather Rowland. Life was not easy in Donora, but young Richie Jones worked hard in school and took on odd jobs around the community to help support the family. Despite the difficulties of growing up in the coal mining town, Richey cherished his time with his Grandmother who encouraged his faith in God and his uncles, Ernest, Wally and Theodore who shared the responsibility of raising him and instilling in him that nothing is impossible. Following high school, Richie left Donora and went into the armed services as a Seaman in the United States Navy. During his career in the Navy, he became known as Dick Jones, a courageous young seaman who played football for the Newport, Rhode Island Naval Base and was selected on the All Sea Service team. Dick’s successful 4 years in the Navy was followed by two years as a U.S. Coast Guard because Dick Jones “never knew what impossible meant.” Prior to being honorably discharged, Dick was recruited to continue his football career at Bakersfield Junior College in Bakersfield, California. He played in the Junior Rose Bowl and was selected on the Metropolitan Conference All Star team and later he was selected to the All American team. His success in football continued after he was recruited to play at Oregon State University. Dick Jones was known at Oregon State not just for his academic excellence and brilliance on the football field, but he also excelled as a boxer, won the Golden Gloves in 1964 and went on to box professionally as a light heavy-weight where he was never defeated. Dick Jones “never knew what impossible meant.” In 1966, when he was recruited to play professional football for the Orlando Panthers and the LA Rams, he turned down the opportunity. Ever mindful of his Grandmother and Uncles’ emphasis on service, Richard Jones took a position in the Job Corps instead and became a Resident Counselor and the Head Football Coach of the Job Corps Center. During his coaching years he impacted the lives of many young men and women. He continued having a positive impact on the lives of others through his years as a high school teacher and coach at Corvallis High School. And, while working closely with the students, Richard Jones took on other athletic challenges, earning a black belt degree in Judo. Richard Jones “never knew what impossible meant.” It was during his teaching years that Richard Jones met and married Leona and reared two children Tonya and Richard, Junior. Richard also has a daughter Sonja. Richard “Coach” Jones coached at several west coast Universities and retired from Long Beach State University. Richard Jones “never knew what impossible meant.” Later, Richard met and fell in love with Terry and reared two children Mailliw and Yrral. He served many more wonderful years as an EOPS counselor at West Los Angeles College where he also retired. He was known by the students and faculty for encouraging students with the words of Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” (AKJV). Richard continued his love of service through many community activities and as a usher, teacher and choir member in the church. He had an unwavering commitment to his church and those in need. His commitment and service was effective because Richard Jones “never knew what impossible meant.” On April 20, 2017, Richard Jones died peacefully in his sleep, a confidant believer in the promises of Jesus Christ and that in Christ “nothing is impossible.” He is survived by his wife, Terry, his three children, Sonja, Tonya and Richard, his stepchildren, Mailliw and Yrral, a sister Val Griffey and brother, Frank Lawson, an aunt Peggy Dennis, son-in-law Carol Wheatley, daughter-in-law Diana Jones, several grandchildren and a host of great grand-children, cousins, church family and dedicated friends. Richard’s love, faith, laughter and encouragement will be missed...but the memories of the man who “never knew what impossible meant” will never be forgotten.