Inspire, Spring 2001

Inspire 19 D ave Jones’ life was characterized by a love for people, his family, soccer, and his Lord,” said former men’s soccer coach John McGillivray ’70. “The way he lived his life was evidence of his faith and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” David “Dave” Jones ’84 was an outstanding soccer player—a four-year starter. He was part of the Cedarville soccer team that finished second in the 1981 National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship. However, Dave was called home to be with the Lord on August 9, 1992 while flying helicopter maneuvers in Kuwait as a Marine Corp First Lieutenant. He left behind his wife, Angie Johnston ’84N (now Angie Patton), and two young sons, Madison and Ian. Not long after Dave’s death, several soccer alums established a scholarship in honor of the admired team captain. “I was a freshman soccer player when I met Dave, a junior and team captain. I looked up to him and admired his leadership … but the greatest part of Dave was his care and compassion for others,” commented Tom Fite ’86. Tom added, “My friendship with Dave grew close after he graduated and worked with a sports ministry team. Dave came home after touring parts of Europe with this soccer ministry, and I’ll never forget how much it meant to me when he gave me his team jersey. It was kind of like Jonathan giving his robe to David as a display of his friendship, love, and devotion.” Today Tom and his wife are missionaries with Missionary Athletes International. Tom credits his former team captain with his career direction, saying that Dave encouraged him to use his talents for the Lord. The scholarship, known as The David Jones Memorial Soccer Award, is given annually to the soccer player whose life most exemplifies the character qualities of Dave’s life—a love for the game of soccer and a giving heart to the ministries of Christ. Since the scholarship’s endowment, two players— Russ Pounds ’99 and Mike Moran ’00—have been awarded the honor. The scholarship is endowed, meaning that only the interest provided by the fund is used. Currently the amount awarded is $250. “Our goal is to build the endowment to a large enough amount to be able to award $500 annually,” said Coach McGillivray. “I think it only fitting to do what we can to establish a memorial scholarship fund in Dave’s name,” said Bobby Shomo ’84. “He was always there for everyone. He always put others before himself.” Bobby remembers a night playing soccer in West Africa for Athletes for Christ over Christmas break. “One day after playing our matches, our bush bus broke down and I, being a runner, was chosen to run back and get another bus. As I started out, I remember being scared by the jungle noises and darkness. But a little ways down the road I heard, ‘Bobby, wait up!’ It was Dave … being Dave.” At Dave’s memorial service, Coach McGillivray commented to a former teammate that “Dave accomplished more for the cause of Christ in 30 years than most of us will be able to do in 60 or 70 years. Dave will be missed dearly by those of us who knew and loved him, but his impact on people for Christ will be felt for generations to come.” If you are interested in contributing to The David Jones Memorial Soccer Award, contact Dave Bartlett or Kim Longo in the office of gift planning at 937-766-7804 or 1-800-766-1115. Helping Soccer Athletes Reach Goals for Christ The David Jones Memorial Soccer Award “ David Jones ’84 (far right) loved soccer and Christ with a passion.