John Jones

Johnny Jones graduated from Taylorville High School in 1963.  A two year letter winner and starter for the Tornadoes Basketball Team, he was the second leading scorer on the Taylorville   in both 1962 and 1963. Averaging double figures both seasons, Jones helped lead the Tornadoes to back to back winning season at 14-12 and 16-7.  

Jones was a three year starting first baseman for the Mid-State Conference Champion Tornadoes baseball team.  As a sophomore, Jones was one of three underclass starters for the 17-4 Tornadoes and contributed with a .410 batting average.  In 1962, Jones hit .305 during the regular season for the 20-4 Tornadoes. Taylorville won both the regional and sectional championships in 1962 and advanced to the IHSA State Tournament in Peoria.  The Tornadoes won their opening game against Centralia before dropping the semifinal game to LaGrange High School. Jones, with and outstanding fielding performance and a .428 batting average was selected to the All-State Tournament First Team at the IHSA State Finals.  The following season, Jones pick up where he ended his junior season by hitting .349 as the Tornadoes again won the Mid-State Conference and a district title with a 17 – 5 record. Following graduation, Jones attended Eureka College, where he was a three year member of the Red Devils Basketball Team.

John Jones, along with Steve Dilley, Linda Prasun, Jaris Wommack and the 1997-98 Lady Tornadoes Basketball Team  will be honored at the 24th Annual Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, to be held in the High School Cafeteria beginning at 6:30 pm, Saturday, April 28th, 2018.  Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $12.50 for students.  The public is invited and encourage to attend the banquet and help honor these great athletes.  Tickets may be purchased at Taylorville Community Unit Schools Administrative Office at 512 West Spresser, the Taylorville High School Office or by contacting Dave Hixenbaugh at 820-9468.