JAMES JONES: The Receiver Is A Giver
Giving back to children in need is often the result of imagining the obstacles and challenges they face. Green Bay Packer James Jones doesn’t have to imagine–he’s been there. Growing up in homeless shelters for most of his childhood, obstacles and challenges were a way of life. Now, with his LOVE JONES 4 KIDS FOUNDATION, Jones reaches out to kids in similar situations in his native San Jose, CA and in Green Bay, WI.
PHOTO: Getty
Speaking with James Jones, it was, frankly, hard to believe the man isn’t even 25 years old. The air of wisdom about him makes you feel you’re talking to someone who’s lived, well, a few more years. Our conversation was akin to getting a much-needed shot in the arm; one of inspiration, rejuvenation, reality, and hope…quadruple whammy! Now Jones is on a mission to share the story of his childhood struggle–and subsequent triumph–with kids, up close and personal. Serving as the basis for the Love Jones 4 Kids Foundation, his account leaves no room for doubt about the power of determination and the capacity of dreams.
Check out the video, then click below to keep reading about James and his amazing road from growing up in homeless shelters, to receiving a full athletic scholarship to San Jose State University, to achieving his unwavering goal of playing in the NFL.
HB: As a child moving between shelters so often, were you able to remain in one school consistently?
JJ: Not at all. Every time we moved it meant a new school. I probably went to five or six different elementary schools. That went on until I was 15, when I moved in with my grandma so my mom could focus on getting on her feet.
At Gunderson High School in San Jose, James’ athletic talent exploded, not only in football (during his senior year, he was the team’s MVP–as quarterback)…he also lettered in basketball and track. Gunderson was also the only school where James completed every grade without having to move.
- Newlyweds James and Tamika
PHOTO: A.K. Rowland
James’ wife, Tamika, an achiever and active volunteer in her own right, heads up Love Jones 4 Kids as president and director. About her husband’s determined vision for the foundation, she says, “Whether it was through football or not, James was going to do something to get his message out–that’s all there was to it. And with the NFL, he saw the chance to help the kids by using that platform.” The dedicated duo, married last July, live in San Jose during the off-season. “We just started the foundation in the fall, so we’re in the process of broadening things, incorporating volunteers, getting everything going. We’re back and forth all year long, so our goal is to have a strong presence in both places.”
HB: James, your foundation is unique to your specific situation. And now you’re back in the shelters visiting these kids in the very place you spent so much of your childhood.
JJ: That’s it. My main thing is going to the shelters, the elementary schools, and connecting with the kids who don’t have much. I can relate, and hopefully they’ll feel that connection.
PHOTO: Aaron Popkey/Packers.com
HB: You’ve spoken about growing up around temptation, and how the lure is always there for taking a wrong turn. What kept you from it?
JJ: My mom, for one. I saw how hard she worked, and I didn’t want to disappoint her. She’d always taken care of us, and I wanted to be able to take care of her some day. Also, just staying focused on my goal, which was the NFL. Reaching that meant staying out of trouble. It’s so easy to go the other way, head down the wrong path, and so much depends on making that decision. With every group of kids I talk to, if I get that across to even one or two of them, it’s a blessing.
HB: So you were (and are) obviously very close to your mom. What about friends growing up?
JJ: Really, it was just my mom and me during all those years. Just the two of us. The only time I ever even played with other kids was at school.
HB: Your high school sports record is amazing. What or who encouraged you?
JJ: There were coaches pushing me; seeing potential and telling me I could do great things…that I could achieve anything if I stayed focused, stayed in school, didn’t get sidetracked. I got a lot of encouragement from both friends and coaches during that time.
- Speaking at Divine Temple in Green Bay on MLK Day
PHOTO: Matthews/Press Gazette
Jones is often invited to speak at places like churches, shelters, and elementary schools. Sometimes, though, he’ll take the initiative…
JJ: I’ve driven by schools and seen kids outside, and I can tell they’re up to something they shouldn’t be. I want to let them know what they’re doing isn’t right. So I’ll say to my wife, ‘Let’s call that school and see if we can talk to them.’ And we’ll just do it.
HB: And when you’re talking to these kids, it’s coming from an NFL player, which has to carry some serious weight in their eyes. Especially with the boys.
JJ: Right. And I address that, because of kids’ perceptions of pro athletes. They might see us with the big houses and the fancy cars, but they need to hear our stories and learn how we got there. It’s important they know how hard we worked.
HB: Have you thought about what you might want to do after the NFL?
JJ: I definitely want to work with kids, either as a probation officer or a high school coach. High school is such a crucial time; it’s when most kids are either going to go the right way or the wrong way. I believe that’s when they need the most guidance from people who have been in their shoes experiencing the same things, if not worse.
Going for the dunk at a charity tournament for the Packers’ “Green Machine” team
PHOTO: Matt Apps/mattapps.com
HB: What events does the foundation have on the calendar?
JJ: We’ve got two free football clinics this summer; one in San Jose in June, and one in Green Bay in July. When I was growing up, if it was a paid event, I couldn’t go. So these clinics will be lots of fun at no cost–a chance to hang out with professional athletes, eat lunch, have a good time, and get a positive message.
[Note: The clinic in San Jose will take place on June 27th at Gunderson High School. Exact date for the Green Bay clinic TBA. Check the events page of the website for details.]
HB: So the fundamental message of Love Jones 4 Kids is….?
JJ: …that if these kids put their mind to something, regardless of what people may tell them, they can make life out to whatever they want it to be. If you listen to your heart and commit, even growing up in circumstances like these kids are, it’s possible. There’s a way out of this, whether through sports, education, a certain job…whatever it might be. There is light at the end of the tunnel. You can get there.
- James and buddy Mason Klapper, hanging out as part of the Packers’ training camp tradition of riding on the bikes of young fans
PHOTO: LoveJones4Kids.com
James Jones’ story of triumph over great obstacles is very encouraging & inspiring to the young & older generation. What he & his wife are doing for communities around the world is very upstanding & courageous. To Mr. & Mrs. Jones: Keep doing what your doing. There are people out there who need to hear YOUR STORY! God Bless you both.
God bless you for the positive example you give to kids (and adults) everywhere! Good luck in achieving your goal of a Super Bowl and best wishes for continued success!
Your gifts and your spirit are amazing, so glad that you and your wife are able to return to the children. Keep doing what you do! We teach because we know children will flourish, despite hardships and obstacles. Your mother and grandmother are to be commended for their strength as well. Glad to know a grizzly is well!
Continued blessings to you and yours.