SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 567

In Memory

of

John Wesley Jones II

WHEREAS, Sports fans in the Lone Star State and beyond are mourning the loss of Johnny "Lam" Jones on March 15, 2019, at the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on April 4, 1958, John Wesley Jones II moved to Texas with his family during his youth and distinguished himself as a track star and an All-State running back for the Lampasas High School Badgers; by the age of 18, he was sprinting world-class times, and he gained widespread recognition with his legendary performance at the 1976 state track meet; after winning the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes, he closed a gap of more than 40 yards during the anchor leg of the mile relay, passing the entire field and inspiring the crowd to swarm the track in excitement; the relay victory clinched the team championship for Lampasas High, and Mr. Jones would later reflect on that accomplishment as one of the most exciting experiences of his life; and

WHEREAS, Later that summer, Mr. Jones competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, becoming the youngest athlete from Texas to ever earn a berth on the United States track and field team; he won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the 4x100 relay team, which set a world record with a time of 38.33 seconds, and he also competed in the 100-yard dash, finishing sixth; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jones went on to a stellar career at The University of Texas at Austin; he ran track his freshman year, winning four events at the 1977 Southwest Conference meet and setting UT track records at 100 yards, 100 meters, and 220 yards; on the gridiron, he first played running back and then wide receiver for the Longhorns, earning All-American and All-Southwest Conference honors as well as the team Most Valuable Player award in 1978; it was during his time on the 40 Acres that he first became known as "Lam" Jones, a nickname bestowed by football head coach Darrell Royal in reference to Mr. Jones' hometown of Lampasas; and

WHEREAS, A highly touted NFL prospect, this skilled athlete was drafted by the New York Jets in 1980 and signed the first contract worth more than a million dollars in league history; his pro career spanned eight years, but injuries limited his performance and playing time with the Jets, and he retired in 1987 after brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys; and

WHEREAS, In recent decades, Mr. Jones dedicated himself to educating youth on the dangers of drugs and alcohol; he also became involved in the Lay Witnesses for Christ sports ministry, and he was a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics; in recognition of his remarkable athletic accomplishments, he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, The University of Texas Athletics Hall of Honor, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, and the Lampasas Football Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Widely considered one of the greatest athletes in Texas history, Lam Jones remains a source of great pride to the residents of Lampasas, and his many achievements will continue to be remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Johnny Lam Jones and extend sincere condolences to his relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Johnny Lam Jones.

Buckingham

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 11, 2019, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate