McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University takes time to honor and remember Jason Jones, a 1991 alumnus who was tragically lost in a plane crash on April 7, 2015, alongside Scott Bittner, Andy Butler, Tom Hileman, Aaron Leetch, Terry Stralow, and Torrey Ward.

Jones, originally from Lincoln, Illinois, was a dual-sport athlete at IWU, lettering in both baseball and basketball for the Titans. As a co-captain with David Kunka, Jones helped lead the 1990-91 basketball team to a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championship. He played 110 games and ranks 28th in career assists at the university. His baseball career was marked by a .340 batting average, with his best performance in 1991.

Following his graduation from IWU, he earned a master's degree from Illinois State University and became a Senior Vice President and Certified Financial Planner at Wells Fargo Advisors. Beyond his professional achievements, Jones was recognized for his kindness, respect, and ability to create meaningful friendships.

Two notable traditions at Titan Athletics commemorate Jones. At the annual All Student-Athlete Meeting, each athlete receives a "lucky" penny, inspired by Jones' habit of passing along coin finds for good fortune. The Jason Jones True Titan Award is also presented at the Victory with Honor Senior Banquet, recognizing students who exemplify high character within the community.

In memory of Jones and the others lost in the accident, Illinois State University established "Redbird Remembrance," a memorial near Redbird Arena's north entrance. It features seven columns symbolizing the loss and commitment to remembrance, with the names etched on the back wall.

The tragedy also inspired Project 7, initiated by the families of the victims, which encourages performing seven acts of kindness each year on the anniversary of the accident. More information is available on its Facebook page and the Redbird Remembrance website.