Last Saturday, we learned that Jim McKay passed away. Today, it was long-time AFL/NFL and track & field voice Charlie Jones. Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that Jones died at the age of 77.
Tom Hoffarth says Jones died Thursday just before he was supposed to go to dinner with friends. Tony Manolatos of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that Jones died four days before his 54th wedding anniversary.
NBC Universal Sports & Olympics Chairman Dick Ebersol gave a statement when he learned of Jones’ passing.
Jones worked for ABC calling the American Football League in 1960 and went to NBC when the league changed networks in 1965. He remained with NBC until 1997 when it lost the rights to the NFL.
In addition, he called track & field during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, then did swimming in the 1992 Barcelona Games. He also called baseball, golf and hosted Wimbledon while at NBC.
After leaving NBC, Jones did work for both Prime and FSN, calling the Chicago Marathon and did some sporadic work for ABC calling college football.
Interestingly enough, Charlie had his own blog and on Monday, wrote a post about Jim McKay’s passing.
Jones was a pro at calling the NFL and had a reputation as one of the nicer people in broadcasting.
ADDENDUM – Nice of NBC Sports to mention Jones’ passing during its U.S. Open coverage today. Jimmy Roberts mentioned it during an update and Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller both said they would miss him.
