We have some sad news to pass along to Buckeye Nation. Former Ohio State athletic director Jim Jones passed away Wednesday morning in Bonita Springs, FL, according to a release from the OSU athletic department.
Jones was the sixth athletic director in Ohio State history. He was elevated to that post in 1987 and remained in the capacity until 1994 when he retired. Prior to becoming the AD, Jones worked as an associate and assistant athletic director. He began his career at OSU in 1965 as a physical education instructor, then began working as an academic advisor for the athletic department in 1970.
“Jim Jones had a significant and positive impact on my life,” Gene Smith, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, said in the statement. “I will miss him greatly. He had a commitment to diversity and made a tremendous contribution to the growth of Ohio State athletics. Sheila and I share our condolences to Linda and his family.”
Jones was 83 and survived by his wife, Linda, and daughter Lynnae MaGinn, son-in-law Mark MaGinn and two granddaughters: Courtney and Taylor.
