RIP: Deacon Jones

[gh]

no further details on passing of Olympic steepler yet.

[oneill]

Seems like somebody ought to say something about the man, a two-time Olympian, a top steeplechaser, briefly (I seem to remember) holder of the National H.S record pre-Max Truex.

My only personal recollection is of watching Jones and another good steepler of the era (Phil Coleman?) conduct a sort of impromptu steeple clinic after their race at the AAU Ch'ships in Bakersfield in, I think, 1960. Man, they made it look so smooth and easy.

Then Deacon put on his sweats, lit a cigarette and went off for a beer.

[slowcat]

Having run against Charley a few tiimes in the late 50's, a few perspectives. He had an amusing sense of humor, a terrific kick, rarely if ever would lead, enjoyed cutting people's hair, which he claims he learned to do while at Boys Town. While at Boys Town, he was an outstanding football player, point guard on the basketball teram, played baseball, and besides being a sensational miler, ran a blazing 440 on the mile relay team. While at Iowa, he and Ted Wheeler, both made the Olympic team in 1956 and Charley again in 1960. A good guy.

[huskert&f]

Didn't Jones hold the American record for the steeple at one time? Does anybody have any idea what his time was? He still holds the record at the Univ. of Iowa (8:47+)

[gh]

No. Don't have time to look up his PR, but AR went from 8:45.4 Ashenfelter in '52 to 8:40.8 Coleman in '58 to 8:38.0 Young in '61, which is his era. Best time in a nationals was 8:48.0 to beat Young in '61.

[ppalmer]

Re: RIP: Deacon Jones

no further details on passing of Olympic steepler yet.

I received word about the planned memorial service today. It will be held on at
Bond Chapel, on the University of Chicago campus, September 29th, at 6 PM.

Pat Palmer