Josh Jones Leads Basketball Program to Build Character and Create Change in North Omaha
The distinctive sound produced by dozens of basketballs being dribbled in a gym echoes throughout the Omaha North Corps most evenings and weekends thanks to the organizational efforts of its sports and recreation director, Josh Jones. Hired in late 2015 by Omaha North Corps Officers Majors Randall and Susan Summit, Josh first worked after college as a coach for the Urban League’s community teams in Omaha.
With 18 volunteer coaches to assist him, Josh organized a youth league of 12 teams with 10 players each that attracts kids and their parents to the corps from throughout the city and beyond. Just as large is the corps’ competitive adult league, which brings in players from all walks of life. As an added flourish, Josh brings in a D.J. to play music while he does commentary during the adult games.
This level of participation by people of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds is a great testament not only to the safe atmosphere offered by the center in a difficult neighborhood but to the remarkable reputation 26-year-old Josh has earned in recent years.
The onslaught of a serious heart condition in his senior year at Creighton University may have ended Josh’s promising basketball career, but he didn’t let it end his enthusiasm for the sport or living life to the fullest. Already beloved by his team for his perpetually positive attitude, affection for Josh spread as local and national media chronicled his health ordeals. No matter how bad the reports got, Josh always tempered them with humor and optimism even when accepting high-intensity sports were over for him.
After months of recovery, Josh returned to Creighton under an extension of his sports scholarship to finish his degree in public relations, which he’s since put to good use as a motivational speaker and launching “Live86400,” a life-coaching brand.
“Basketball didn’t build my character, it revealed it,” said Josh. “I like to provide motivation through what I’ve learned from my life experiences, not sports. Each of us gets 86,400 seconds each day. Life isn’t about how long you live but what you’re doing with it. I strive to help kids and adults maximize their potential for purpose. And, my purpose is to serve God.”
A documentary produced a few years ago, “The Josh Jones Story,” explored his childhood in North Omaha where he was raised by parents with strong Christian morals, his starring role on his high school’s basketball team (making it to state finals three times) and his recruitment to Creighton where he was a skillful, high-energy and enthusiastic player.
His health woes — and attention from the media — first started during Josh’s high-school senior year when a bacterial infection that Josh thought was the flu led to open-heart surgery and a valve replacement. He recovered and joined Creighton’s team but, again in his senior year, Josh collapsed on court before a big game, this time due to a severe atrial flutter that became chronic.
To date, Josh has had four heart surgeries. He occasionally has bouts of anxiety when his heart starts to beat a little too fast, but he continues to trust in God. “There’s no safer place to be than in God’s will for your life,” he added.
Josh remembers visiting the corps as a kid for lunches and other events. “I just love The Salvation Army. Growing up where I did, surrounded by gangs and crime, I had every reason to fail in life, but my family gave me the mentality to change my circumstances rather than let my circumstances change my mentality. Some people choose destinations for their lives but fall asleep during the journey.”
Never content with the status quo, Josh plans to start a basketball program for girls next year and form a traveling team for teen boys. “I want this team not only to see life outside Omaha but to explore attending college and determining their own futures. I remind all my players that faith is believing without seeing,” Josh concluded.
