[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 61 (Thursday, April 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CELEBRATING THE JONES FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 8, 2021

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of Rock 
Hill's greatest former athletes and loving parents, Tim and Jackie 
Jones. It has been my privilege to learn of the successes of Tim and 
Jackie and their talented daughters, Jada and Layla.
  Tim was a standout Bearcat at Rock Hill High who played in the 1989 
Shrine Bowl before dominating in football as a collegiate level 
linebacker. He was a two-time All-ACC starter who led the Clemson 
Tigers in tackles for three consecutive seasons. Only one player has 
accomplished that feat since. Nicknamed ``The Hitman'' for his 
punishing tackles in high school, Tim went on to accumulate 338 tackles 
in college. Among a plethora of distinguished titles and awards, he was 
a sophomore All-American in 1992, an Honorable Mention All-American in 
both 1993 and 1994, and the team's Most Valuable Player in 1994. Tim 
pursued a banking career in Charlotte before returning to Rock Hill 
High as an assistant football coach. He will always be remembered as 
Clemson's best No. 56.
  Before running cross country at the University of South Carolina, 
Jackie set records in track and field at Rock Hill High. She shared 
pointers with her daughter, Jada, who broke those records as a freshman 
in 2019. The elite athlete has also persevered through extreme 
hardship. Jackie was previously diagnosed with both stomach cancer and 
breast cancer. Despite undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, her breast 
cancer returned shortly after. She remains optimistic and continues to 
fight this ongoing battle with persistence and grace. Currently, Jackie 
serves her community as principal of Mt. Holly Elementary School. She 
is a faithful and inspirational leader to all.
  Tim and Jackie are blessed to have raised two high-achieving Bearcats 
of their own. An unmatched high school basketball star, ``eternal 
optimist'' Jada has the speed, build, and athleticism to carry her 
teammates through any season. As a varsity guard, she led her 
basketball team through the playoffs and plans to rejoin the soccer and 
track teams this spring, as well. Her little sister Layla, who plays on 
the Junior Varsity team, seeks advice from Jada and hopes to soon 
follow in her footsteps.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Jones family's 
athletic accomplishments. They are living legends, and I am proud to 
acknowledge their substantial contributions to our community.

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