Centre honors legacy of Men’s Golf Coach David Jones

by Centre Athletics

Centre College News
David Jones graphic

“The pursuit of excellence is never ending, but the impact along the way is forever lasting.” – David Jones

Centre College is saddened to share news of the sudden passing of David Jones, head men’s golf coach, on Tuesday, Sept. 6, following a brief illness. He was 36 years old.

“It is with a grief-stricken heart that I share with the Centre community that David Jones passed away this evening,” Director of Athletics Brad Fields ’98 said in a message to the College campus on Tuesday. “David had an infectious personality and was genuinely the most selfless and joy-filled person I have ever encountered.”

Jones had an impactful tenure with Centre Athletics spanning nearly a decade. Initially joining the Colonels as an external relations intern in Fall 2013, he held several administrative roles, ranging from equipment manager to associate director of athletic facilities and operations.

Serving for a time as special projects coordinator, Jones oversaw crucial athletic facility upgrades, such as the Sutcliffe locker room renovation, the creation of the Champions Room and the building of the Fishman Center Indoor Practice Facility for Centre Baseball.

Always mentoring students, Jones had the opportunity to pick up coaching duties in Fall 2014, serving as the assistant men’s and women’s golf coach under Head Coach Bruce Brown. Following Brown’s retirement from Centre, Jones stepped in as interim head golf coach for the Spring 2016 season. In that time, he guided the men’s team to a top 25-ranking and a fourth-place finish at the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Championships.

Jones returned to his role as assistant men’s and women’s golf coach in Fall 2017, and over that season, coached the women’s team to a victory at the Jim English Invitational, as well as junior Jill Edgington, who captured medalist honors at the SAA Championships. In summer 2019, Jones was promoted to the permanent role of head men’s golf coach.

Jones’ influence off the golf course made an incredible impact in the Centre community—and beyond. Most recently, he prompted the idea of a campus collection of school supplies for victims of the Eastern Kentucky floods over the summer. He also personally delivered unused Centre football equipment to Breathitt County High School, so that the football team could kick off its season on time.

“David was a giver—truly a person that sought to make others comfortable, even at his own disadvantage,” Fields said. “He inspired me to be a better leader and a better person. He loved impacting students. Whether it was helping with laundry, event management or coaching, David made students light up.”

Head Women’s Golf Coach Jane Hopkinson-Wood said Jones embodied the true spirit of a coach: selflessness.

“The impact he had on his players, this program and Centre College will forever be remembered.”

A 2005 graduate of Southwestern High School, Jones was a four-year letter winner in golf and was named an all-region player his junior and senior years. He also passed the PGA Player Ability Test in Summer 2006.

Jones earned his bachelor of science degree in sports management with a minor in athletic coaching at Western Kentucky University in 2011.


ARRANGEMENTS

In the coming days, weeks, months and years, Centre Athletics will work to honor David Jones’s legacy—a legacy worthy of celebration. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, Kentucky, from 3–7 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, visitation will take place at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Somerset, Kentucky, from 12–4 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. and burial in the Oak Hill cemetery. The Jones’ family requests that all who join dress comfortably and wear their favorite Centre gear, as David would have wanted everyone to do.

For those wishing to support the Jones family—his wife, Kotey, and their three children, Kinzley (6), Kevin (2) and Kyndall (3 months)—donation opportunities are available at the following links. Financial donations can be made online and MealTrain participation can be scheduled for the family.