BIO:

Josh Jones is a person who epitomizes the spirit of resiliency, strong character in the face of overwhelming obstacles, and generous service to others in the community. Growing up in the tough neighborhoods of North Omaha, his passion for success in basketball helped shield him from the negative and dangerous influences swirling around him. From an early age, he was a natural, gifted athlete who was fearless on the basketball court.

He went on to play four years of varsity basketball for Omaha Central High School, where he helped lead his teams to three Class A state titles. During his sophomore year in high school, Josh lost his father. Josh was only seventeen at the time. He instantly became a father, son, and brother to his family. Through it all Josh remained high in spirit, and continued to play basketball, but now in his father’s honor. Following his junior year at Central, he accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball for Creighton University. His dream of earning a college degree while playing college basketball was becoming a reality!

The summer before his senior year in high school – after he had committed to Creighton – he became very sick with flu-like symptoms which lasted a month. He was diagnosed with an infected heart valve, called bacterial endocardits and underwent emergency open-heart surgery. Miraculously, Josh was back playing basketball within a few months! As a senior, he returned to his team and helped lead Central to its third straight state basketball title. He also finished as Omaha Central's all-time leader in total career points, and most points scored in an individual game.

A high-scoring star in high school, Josh had to transition into a vital role-playing reserve at Creighton. There were ups and downs, but he became a crowd favorite with his swashbuckling style of play, positive and upbeat attitude, and ever-present smile.

On December 6, 2012, during warm-ups before the 16th-ranked Creighton Blue jays took the court to play the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, Josh fainted on the court. Unfortunately, his heart issues had come back again. This time he was diagnosed with a serious malfunction in his heart’s electrical system called atrial flutter, which would require a series of surgeries to correct. Also, he had an enlarged heart, a condition that lead to his father’s passing. After taking a few days to let the diagnosis soak in, this free-spirited athlete, who had thrived on taking risks on the basketball court most of his life, made the difficult decision that basketball wasn’t worth his life. Josh retired from the game of basketball at the young age of 23. He gave up the game he so dearly loved…..a game that had given him so much….including a degree from Creighton in public relations, and minor in interpersonal Communication.

Josh became a hero across Nebraska, not just because of how he played the game, but also because of his outstanding character during times of perseverance, prosperity, and adversity. He was also revered and respected because his involvement in community service work, including Teammates, the Down Syndrome Walk, the Ted E. Bear Hollow Annual Run, the Abide Network and the Omaha Police and Firefighters Appreciation Day, among other events.

Despite his health concerns, Josh remains committed to using his basketball fame to be a role model to adults and youth alike. The adversity of growing up in an at-risk environment, losing his father, enduring open-heart surgery while in high school, and further heart problems that led to his premature retirement from college basketball have not deterred Josh. He’s handled his journey though these tremendous difficulties with a strong faith in God, and with grace, dignity, and a strength not commonly seen. He is a role model for all on how to make the most of what life gives us.