Apr 12, 2024 By Amy Fauth 5 min read

Special and unique birthday celebrations are his thing.

When Allen Q. Jones turned 95, he spent his birthday with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. So, as his 100th birthday approached, his friend Barry Craig knew he wanted to do it up big.

And, do it up big he did.

Craig planned a big birthday bash on Thursday at the Connellsville Community Center and he invited the entire community to come out and celebrate his former basketball coach’s milestone birthday.

When Jones walked into the gym Thursday, it was like the king walking into his court.

“It’s so good to see all of you,” he said. “Anyone else here 100 years old or is it just me?”

The community center holds a lot of memories for Jones, who was a coach there when it was still a high school.

“We never lost in that building (that year),” recalled Craig, who said after the 1969-70 season students moved up to the new high school.

Now, Connellsville Community Ministries takes care of the community center for the city. Craig is president of the CCM board of directors.

Craig met Jones when he was in ninth grade, and he played basketball with Jones as his coach. However, Craig said Jones was much more than that.

“He was like a father to me,” explained Craig.

At Christmas last year, he told Jones he’d like to plan a birthday party for him back in Connellsville when he talked to Jones in North Carolina, where he now lives with his daughter, Marcia Knight. A few months ago, Craig said, they called to make sure he was serious about the party at the Connellsville Community Center.

About turning 100, Craig said Jones is candid: “He always says if you can’t come see me when I’m living, don’t come see me when I’m dead.”

Although Jones has trouble hearing, Craig said his mind is sound.

Throughout his life Jones wore many hats: as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; a teacher and a veteran of World War II.

He was also a beloved coach of junior and senior high boys and girls’ basketball and baseball.

His 1969-70 Junior High East basketball team went undefeated and won the junior WPIAL Championship, and Jones was also instrumental in developing the VFW Teener Baseball League.

His birthday bash kicked off with the singing of the National Anthem, “God Bless America” and of course, “Happy Birthday.”

A presentation by the VFW Post 21 of a Gold Legion Life Membership was followed by proclamations from state, local and federal officials, and gifts from his many friends at the VFW (local, state and national).

Prior to heading to the community center, Jones was a guest at a luncheon with the

Connellsville Rotary at Bud Murphy’s in Connellsville, attended by many of his fellow veterans from the VFW.

The afternoon was filled with stories and memories told by friends and family.

Craig said he and his wife, Judy, who provided a basketball-themed cake and cupcakes for the party, are thrilled at the outcome.

“We’re so thankful. We’re so blessed that you could make the trip up here,” he told Jones.

While Craig said Jones was like a father to him, it was clear at the party that he wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Linda Shearer, a former teacher at Connellsville and founder of the Connellsville Patriots organization, said Jones’ influence made her into the person she is.

“‘Pop Jones, he’s been a father to me for 40 years – longer than my own father,” she said.

Throughout the afternoon, it was clear that although Jones is 100, he hasn’t lost his zest for life or his humor. He quipped jokes with various presenters as they came up to honor him. And, while presenters often addressed him as “Mr. Jones,” he kept correcting them. “Allen.”

Although this was a birthday party for Jones, for many, it was also a reunion of Jones’ undefeated basketball team with former players and families attending to not only reminisce about the good old days, but honor their coach. Some still live in Connellsville, but several players traveled from Atlanta, Boston or Naples, Fla.

Jones and his players wore shirts with the coach’s name on the front and commemorating his undefeated 1969-70 season on the back.

His former players recounted many stories about Coach Jones and what it was like to play under him. Many of the memories kept coming back to that last game, which Junior High East won by one single point over crosstown rivals Junior High West.

Mark Stone, a basketball player under Jones said they all feel lucky to have had him in their lives. While many people give money to their communities, Jones gave the most precious thing he could – his time.

“We were blessed to have you. You had a lot on your plate. What you’ve done is amazing.”

Craig presented Jones with a basketball signed by the remaining members of that Connellsville Junior East undefeated squad.

The team included Ron Fredericks, Tim Frafecanty, Mike Riley, Dan Ferens (representing his brother John who passed away), Barry Craig, John Dilworth, Jay Fox, Mark Stone, Dave Lane, Robert McCoy and Dan Shaw.

After the ceremony, Jones was appreciative of everyone attending.

“My life – I don’t have any regrets in no shape or form,” said Jones. “It’s been a wonderful life.”