KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) – The community of Lynn Camp is in mourning tonight, as people remember longtime teacher and coach Richard Jones. It’s the second loss of a staff member for the school this year.
Jones passed away yesterday after a battle with kidney cancer.
The school’s gym was a home away from home for Coach Richard Jones, who spent decades imparting life’s most valuable lessons to his players, both on and off the court.
Family and friends say Coach Jones was a rare find, a man who lived and breathed basketball, but consistently put his players’ potential and success in the classroom before anything else.
Affectionately known as “Bird Dog,” Jones coached sports in Lynn Camp for more than 42 years. He was on the sideline this year cheering his girls on, even when he was sick.
“To me, Coach Jones was the most inspiring person I’ve ever met in my entire life…he’s taught me so many things…on and off the court,” said Macie Miracle, a senior on the team.
This is is the second death of a Lynn Camp Coach in just a matter of months. In October, Assistant Football Coach Brian Justice was killed in a car crash.
