House Resolution 35

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING COACH BEN JONES ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, Coach Ben Jones, who led Itawamba Community College to the Mississippi Junior College State Championship in 1975 and was a leader in the integration of Mississippi High School athleticism, will be the guest of honor at a 75th birthday celebration and roast on March 19, 2005; and

WHEREAS, United States Judge Mike Mills of the Northern District of Mississippi will be Master of Ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, Coach Ben Jones was a teacher, football and basketball coach at Itawamba Agricultural High School from 1963 to 1973 during which time his football teams won seven Tombigbee Conference Championships and played in five bowl games; and

WHEREAS, Coach Ben Jones further coached from 1973 to 1975 at Itawamba Community College; and

WHEREAS, the career highlights of Coach Ben Jones include being named "National High School Coach of the Year" (Southeastern States) in 1972 and 1987; being inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame in 1981; coaching the 1961 overall State Big-8 Championship in basketball at Gulfport High School; coaching the North Mississippi Football Championship Team at New Albany High School in 1983; and his bowl victories while coaching at Meridian High School in 1977 and New Albany High School in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Coach Ben Jones earned bachelor and master degrees from the University of Mississippi; however, his education was interrupted for service in the United States Navy during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Coach Jones is currently active in forestry and farming activities and is Vice President of the Pontotoc County Forestry Association and a member of the Itawamba County Forestry Association; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the life of such a worthy individual as Coach Jones:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize Coach Ben Jones for his accomplishments and his influence on many young men who are today’s community, civic and church leaders and extend sincere best wishes for his 75th birthday celebration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Ben Jones and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.