In Loving Memory of Robert Elroy Jones, Jr.

May 20, 1972 – May 20, 2022

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Lifelong Impact

BWOPA/TILE proudly launched the Robert E. Jones, Jr. Scholarship Fund during Robert’s birthday week, beginning November 14, 2022. Friends, family, and community members were invited to celebrate his life and extend his legacy by contributing to a cause that truly reflects his passion—uplifting the next generation of student-athletes.

This scholarship fund was established by BWOPA State President and Co-Founder, the Honorable Dezie Woods-Jones, in loving memory of her son, Robert E. Jones, Jr.—a lifelong supporter of BWOPA, named “Jr. Man of the Year” in 1985.

About the Scholarship Fund

The REJ Scholarship Fund supports:

• Isaiah Robert Jones, Robert’s only surviving son—a talented scholar and athlete—as he pursues higher education
• Student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership

Robert believed in the power of sports to transform lives. Whether coaching his own son or mentoring others, he inspired young people to strive for greatness—not only on the field, but in all areas of life.

With the rising cost of education and limited scholarship access for many athletes, this fund helps bridge the gap—ensuring that potential doesn't go unrealized due to financial barriers.

About Coach Robert “Bones” Jones 🏀 

Coach Jones was a visionary leader, mentor, and motivator who spent over 15 years coaching youth sports in California and Arizona. He brought his deep knowledge and unmatched passion to every team he led.

Career Highlights:

• Created and led youth basketball programs in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Westlake Village
• Helped launch Liberty High School’s athletic program
• Coached Valley Vista High School’s girls basketball team to a state championship
• Led student-athletes across 45 sports seasons, including:
  • 35+ All-Conference athletes
  • 15 All-Region athletes
  • 5 State Champions

Named one of Arizona Magazine’s Top Coaches, Robert brought the same energy and work ethic he had as a former Junior Olympian and three-sport athlete at St. Mary’s High School (Berkeley, CA).

Even while battling Crohn’s disease and later Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Rob continued coaching and teaching—often in pain, never complaining. His resilience and selflessness left a lasting impression on every student and colleague he encountered.

Father, Coach, Mentor

Robert is remembered as a devoted father to his two children, Amani Sorensen-Jones and Isaiah Robert “Z” Jones, and as a coach who changed lives through patience, tough love, and unwavering belief in his players.

His life was one of service, excellence, and deep compassion.

Keep His Legacy Alive

Help us honor Rob’s memory by supporting the REJ Scholarship Fund. Your contribution ensures that his spirit, mentorship, and belief in youth excellence lives on through every scholarship recipient.

[➡️ Click Here to Donate]  

“Rob’s greatest joy was seeing young people win—on the court, in the classroom, and in life.”

Here are just a few comments from some of Rob's previous students and coaching colleagues:

• “Coach Jones! Thank you so much for coaching me this season.  I appreciate how supportive you were.  You made this an amazing season.”…Audrey
• “I am very blessed to have had you this year as one of my coaches.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will never forget you. You helped me believe that anything is possible and to never give up.  I hear your voice in my head every time I work out and feel like giving up.  Thank you for everything” – Danii 
• “Coach Jones, thank you so much for always believing in me and pushing me to my limits to be a better player.”  - Mina 
• "Coach Jones, thank you for everything.  You always made practice fun but also made sure we were trying our best.” - #21 Jasmine Banks
• "Coach Jones!  Thank you so much for all of your love and support!” – Ele Hansen 
• "Coach Jones, the parents and players of Capo Girls Basketball want you to know how much we appreciate all you have done this year to prepare the girls, win games, and build a program we can be proud of. Thank You.” – Parents of Capo

 REJ Scholarship Fund Board

• Dezie Woods-Jones, Chair
• Amani Sorensen-Jones, Vice Chair
• Nicholas Williams, Director of Parks & Recreation San Francisco, Director of Donor Contributions
• Ralph Bessard, Crossover Ministries, Director of Scholarship Submissions
• LaNiece Jones, Executive Director, BWOPA/TILE
• Dr. Cassandra Joubert, Fund Administrator

 Scholarship Advisory Committee:

• Dr. Christine McPhail, President, St. Augustine University
• Brent Ambers, St. Mary’s Alum
• Sean Lockhart, St. Mary’s Alum
• Tore Norris, St. Mary’s Alum
• Kente Scott, St. Mary’s Alum
• Kymm Wilson, St. Mary’s Alum

Financial Goal:  Our annual goal is to raise a minimum of $20,000, with the intent to award at least three scholarships in honor of the first anniversary of Rob’s passing in May 2023, and in each year thereafter.