CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) – The Southern Illinois Athletics Department will host a Celebration of Life service for the legendary coach Richard "Itch" Jones later this year.
The event will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 11 a.m. at Itchy Jones Stadium. If the weather is inclement, the memorial service will be relocated to the Charles Helleny Pavilion inside the Banterra Center.
Jones passed away on February 17, 2025 at the age of 87 and left behind a legacy that was unmatched in the collegiate baseball world.
He retired from coaching in 2005, ranking 13th on the NCAA Division I wins list and eighth among active coaches. His notable achievements at Illinois include winning the Big Ten Championship in 1998 and 2005, as well as the Big Ten Tournament in 2000.
At Southern Illinois, Jones secured seven Missouri Valley Conference titles and multiple tournament championships, earning several Coach of the Year accolades.
Over his 39-year career, he helped over 100 players advance to professional baseball, including notable major leaguers like Dave Stieb, Steve Finley, and Derek Shelton.
Jones has membership in nine Hall of Fames, Herrin High School, Jacksonville High School, MacMurray College, Southern Illinois University Athletics, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association, American Baseball Coaches Association, St. Louis Area Sports and Missouri Valley Conference.
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