BALTIMORE – Joseph Jones, a retired professor, US Army Veteran, Coppin State Athletics Hall of Famer and former head men’s basketball coach passed away recently. He was 96.
Inducted into the Coppin State Hall of Fame in 2013, Jones was the head men’s basketball coach at Coppin State from 1965-70. He led the Eagles to their first-ever conference championship in 1967-68 when Coppin State captured the Potomac Intercollegiate Conference title.
A Baltimore native, Jones taught at Coppin State from 1965-85 and retired as the Head of the Department of Health, Physical Education and recreation in 1985. He earned his bachelors of science degree from West Virginia State in 1950, his master’s degree from New York University in 1961 and his doctorate from the University of Maryland in 1973.
Jones served in the United States Army and retired as a United States Army Reserve warrant officer. He later joined the Maryland State Guard and retired with the rank of Full Colonel. He also had a book published, Requiem for an Ugly Man.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Jones and his family,” Coppin State Director of Athletics Derrick K. Ramsey said. “We are fortunate and thankful for his years of service to the Coppin State athletics department. His impact here at Coppin State and in education is lasting.”
A viewing will be held on Friday, August 28 at Wylie Funeral Home, P.A. of Baltimore County from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. The homegoing service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 29 beginning at 9 a.m. Intermittent will be at Lakeview Memorial Park.
Coppin State Athletics