Remembering

Jack Jones

The son of Julius and Faye Jones and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Jack became a multi-talented tennis promoter, TV producer and business executive. Though he’ll be most recognized for his contribution to women’s tennis, his love for the game was exceeded only by his love and devotion to his family. He reveled in their achievements and was steadfast in his support for every member of his close-knit family. He thrived watching his children form families of their own.

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Jack Jones with Rosie Casals and Bud Collins

“Jack truly loved tennis. He loved his family. Jack was a great friend, and relationships are everything. He loved tennis but he thought outside of the box. He was really a special human being. Kind, smart, ahead of his time. He also was a great friend through the years, and I think that’s what’s important.”

-Billie Jean King

“I loved Jack Jones. He was a pioneer of women’s tennis and marketing. He envisioned more than the women expected and taught us to think big. The 30K (at the inaugural FCC event) I won has come a long way for women’s tennis. Because of daring to put us on a national network—NBC—and providing the largest purse for women, we are equal at the US Open!

Rosie Casals

“Jack was such a warm, kind and intelligent person who used his business acumen and people skills to own and run one of my favorite tournaments—Hilton Head, which was a trailblazing event because it was the first women’s event to offer $100,000 in prize money and to be televised on national TV. The impact of this event was far reaching!! Women’s tennis is indebted to Jack! His family was near & dear to him, especially his beloved wife Mickey. Love you Jack. RIP.”

Tracy Austin

“Jack helped make women’s tennis a global leader in sports by taking risks in the 1970s and investing in the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association). Jack also helped build a strong releationship between tournaments and players.”

Pam Shriver

Jack Jones, visionary who helped women’s tennis in its fight for equality, dies at 97

In looking at the notes left behind by Jack Jones, a visionary businessman whose love for tennis helped boost the women’s game at a time it needed smart and effective promotion, Jones’ son Cary was struck by the sense of fairness that was the foundation of his father’s work.

Continue Story in LA Times

Remembering Jack Jones

The WTA was saddened to learn that Jack Jones passed away on September 2 at the age of 97. Jack was a tremendous fan of the female athletes who competed not just in his tournament, the Family Circle Cup, but around the world. Apart from being an innovative marketer and promoter, Jack was a deeply compassionate man who advocated for the equal rights of women in society.

Continue Story on WTA

Though he’ll be most recognized for his contribution to women’s tennis, his love for the game was exceeded only by his love and devotion to his family. He reveled in their achievements and was steadfast in his support for every member of his close-knit family. He thrived watching his children form families of their own.