Click here to view the release from The Ohio State University
 
CLEVELAND  – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is mourning the loss of Past President and former Ohio State University (OSU) Director of Athletics Jim Jones, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83.
 
Jones served as NACDA President in 1992-93 and remained involved with the Association up until his passing.
 
"Jim was a mentor and very close friend who I will miss dearly. His vast knowledge of intercollegiate athletics was second to none and his quick wit, kind heart, interpersonal skills and ability to read people were a unique combination that set him apart," said NACDA Chief Executive Officer Bob Vecchione. "Jim was involved with NACDA since the Association's beginning 55 years ago, primarily in a leadership capacity, which culminated in 2013 when his peers honored him with the James J. Corbett Award, the highest honor in athletics administration. The Jones family will always be part of the NACDA family."
 
Jones joined Ohio State's faculty in 1965 as a physical education instructor and moved over to the athletics department staff in 1967, where he worked in academic advising for four years and primarily with Woody Hayes' football team. In 1970 he was elevated to assistant director of athletics and in 1977 he was named associate athletics director.
 
In 1987, Jones became Ohio State's athletics director and he held the position for seven years, until his retirement in 1994.
 
"Jim Jones had a significant and positive impact on my life," Gene Smith, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, said. "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"
 
NACDA & its Affiliate Associations and the National Office Staff are keeping the Jones family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
 
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 55th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 15,700 college athletics administrators at more than 1,700 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and three foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.