Coach Harold Jones

Former T.L. Hanna High School Football Coach; Portrayed by Ed Harris in 2003 Film “Radio”

Travels From Travels From:
South Carolina, USA
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Coach Harold Jones Biography

Coach Harold Jones is a retired South Carolina high school football coach best known for embracing a developmentally challenged African American boy named James Robert "Radio" Kennedy back in 1964. His role as Radio's mentor was immortalized in the Sony Pictures film, "Radio."

In 1964, Jones noticed a young man who would hold a transistor radio to his ear and come to football practice every day. The 18-year-old James Robert Kennedy, nicknamed “Radio” because of his obsession with radios, had a developmental handicap and wasn't able to read or write. Harold Jones noticed that he would sort of mimick the coaches and players on the sidelines. Jones bought Radio a hamburger and a coke and the two really hit off. Radio started attending all of the practices and practically became a team mascot. Jones promised the boy's mother that he would help keep him out of trouble, so he arranged to have Radio attend Hanna High School as a junior.

In 1996, a writer for Sports Illustrated named Gary Smith penned an article about Jones's friendship with Radio. Not much later, director Michael Tollin helped bring the story to life in the movie "Radio" starring Ed Harris as Coach Jones and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Radio. By 1999, Jones was set to retire and Radio was still running strong with the team. His successors have taken good care of Radio and considered him an integral part of the team. Jones and Radio were friends for over 50 years until Radio passed away at 73 on 15 December 2019. His funeral service was held a few days later, and in lieu of flowers, Jones wrote that memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club or the Outdoor Dream Foundation, both charities that Jones and Radio supported during their time together.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/12/2024.

Coach Harold Jones Videos

  • "He taught us all how to love" Harold Jones remembers James "Radio" Kennedy
    Former TL Hanna High football coach, inspiration world-wide, and best friend Harold Jones spoke at James "Radio" Kennedy's funeral - saying his...
  • Remembering Radio - Coach Harold Jones and others
    Remembering the life of James "Radio" Kennedy. (Dec. 16, 2019)
  • Radio & Coach Jones Interview.wmv

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  • What topics does Coach Harold Jones speak about?

    Coach Harold Jones is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Disability, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Growth, Sports, Sports Coaching, Sports Motivation.
  • Where does Coach Harold Jones travel from?

    Coach Harold Jones generally travels from South Carolina, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Coach Harold Jones is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Coach Harold Jones for your event is $5,000 - $10,000. Coach Harold Jones generally travels from SC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Kory Puderbaugh, JP Pawliw-Fry, John Register, Brian Kenny and Steve Sax. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Coach Harold Jones for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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