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Ozell Jones Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Ozell Jones
59 Entries
Mark Krause
November 28, 2024
R I P
Luke Bastien
August 17, 2024
I worked with Ozell at a Vons in Eagle Rock. He was gentle gaint. I recognized him almost immediately because I´m a big basketball fan. We actually played a few games of pickup ball at a local park. Although I knew him briefly he was a cool dude. RIP... Luke B
Manuel Quimiro
November 8, 2023
Today I was just thinking about my Friend Ozelle....as soon as we met we clicked...I remember you taking me to Compton to meet up with your music friend that I was actually of fan of...and also taking me to Some Basketball games...you were a good friend and will always be grateful for you Rest Easy Big Homie
Jon Ferron
July 11, 2020
So sad to hear the news I was just one of your many teammates at at Long Beach Poly sometimes just unbelievable what happened to people like I said so sad over news
Christopher Tanner
November 10, 2019
Miss you big bro
Johanna Jones
December 30, 2018
Today im thinking about my bro ozell i miss him so much but i know he is with my family. Above n god. I will never stop working to bring Justus .for what was done to u ..we truly miss u from your sis Johanna jones r.i.p
September 13, 2015
Remembering hoppy
Katrina
September 2, 2015
my sweet sweet baby brother this is your sister Johanna jones your anniversary is coming soon of u going away. cant stop crying I love you amd will never stop working to see that Justus is served for you love you br0ther tour sister Johanna jones kisss
Mike Denny
August 6, 2015
Hoppy, I think of you often and miss you so much. As my teammate at Wichita State we had some great times that I will never forget. RIP my brother. You are missed. Mike Denny
Michael W
March 30, 2015
Ozell, this is Michael W. I cannot ever say that you're gone and I probably never will not ever say it. I want to always remember you as I last saw you when we were in your car driving down to Irvine to eat some dinner. This is my own personal way of saying your still with me and you always will be here in my eyes. I hurt for your family and your friends, and wish them the best...however, I will never be able to except this no matter how old I get or how long I'm on the earth. I don't know what to say except...love you big "O"...thanks for the laughs, and workouts (smile). Peace always!!!
Nicholas (Hiroshi) Reyes
May 11, 2007
I am deeply saddened by the news of Hop. He was good friends with my brother and my brothers friend Ray Whiting Jr (The Gobbler). Ray lived down the street for a while, and then moved in with my family around '77 or '78 on 1802 W. Lincoln St, just off Santa Fe Ave. West Side. Ray brought Hop over from Dominnquez to Play with him at Long Beach Poly. I followed most of the games and would travel great distances to watch the Jack Rabbits, Ranked no.1 by Street and Smith ('78 & '79) and second in other polls to Los Angeles Verbum Dei. I remember Hop when he was a young skinny, 6'9" sophmore and the kindest person you could every meet. My family and I embraced Hop and welcomed him into our family with open hearts. Somewhere I think late towards his junior year, he transformed his body and attitude on the court. Weight training, dieting, Coach Palmer, and playing hard ball made Hop complete terror. Sprouting to 6'11 1/2 helped too I'm sure. Wilson, Jordan, Millikan, and Lakewood could not stop him. However, Hop never changed inside. He still had the warmest smile and could put anybody at ease, just with his glow. Despite his size. He was a very well behaved young man. Mrs Jones did a wonderful job as a Mother! With out ever saying much, I remember him being greatly protective for his sister. I am sorry I cannot remember her name, but just meeting her once or twice. She was pretty cool. And cute too. My brother had a Doberman Pincher named 'Jack'. Hop had a way of making him mad and having the dog want to bite me. Still can't figure that one out. And I lived with the dog. That was Hops funny side.
My brother often drove to visit him at both Cal State Fullerton and Wichita State. The last time I saw Hop was in a game my brother took me to when he visited me in Hawaii, at the Neal S Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu Hawaii, '81 or '82. Through the years, my brother would always tell me how Hop was doing. I remember how surprised he was when Hop bought a porsche. I think in '85.
I have always thought about Hop and how he was doing over the years. Today at work, I asked a friend of mind about his daughters college selection. She will be attending Pepperdine. The first time I heard of Pepperdine was because of a recruiter that Hop mentioned, kept calling his house. Of course, I thought about Hop and mentioned him during this conversation while working (during open heart surgery). When I did a search for Hop and found out God needed him, more than we did. I was deeply reminded of my brother.
In Dec 1995 my brother was also needed by God. His name was Jesse C. Reyes Jr. I never got a chance to tell Hop.
Our Prayers, Love and Support to Mrs. Jones and all of the family!
Hiroshi Reyes '80
Big D T.M.
May 1, 2007
Big Yellow, OZ, ... I just heard the news...and all i can do is write a poem as i remember you:
Another pair of angel wings
are found
another soilders dreams
buired in the ground
There are so many things i want to say to you--
There are so many things we planned to do--
I know your gone, but i can't understand--
why i'll order two drinks and pour one out in the sand--
As a grive for my fallen brother i am not sad,
for i remember the passion for life
that he had,
I recall his laughter and the smile on his face,
And i know he is in a better place, and in my dreams i see six foot eleven
angel singing amazing graze looking down on me from heaven.
WANDA GREGORY-MOBLEY
February 17, 2007
JOJO AND DEB,I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR BROTHER. HE WAS ALWAYS VERY PLEASANT AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE WHEN HE USED TO COME BY THE SHOPS ON PACIFIC. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY....LOVE ALWAYS, WANDA GREGORY-MOBLEY
Stacie Lynn
October 6, 2006
Ozell was one of the strongest men I knew,He had such determination. He knew what he wanted and never gave up until he got it. He would always say I am a leader not a follower and he was just that. Even now I can here the laughter in his voice when we talked or saw one another. I know deep in my heart that he is with the Lord.He was truly a Great man of GOD and he will truely be missed by me. This was definatly a life changing experience for me. In the book of Matthew 20:16 it says that many are called but few are chosen. I believe that he was chosen. My prayers go to everyone who loved him in pain or greiving as this is a difficult time for all of us.
STACIE LYNN
October 6, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Nathaniel Paul Urshan
September 26, 2006
I will forever cherish the memories of my dear friend and fellow worshipper. Truly, he was an unusual man. Our prayers are with Sister Daphne and may our loving Savior hold you up with His everlasting arms.
Lori White
September 24, 2006
Hoppy and I were good friends back in the 1980s when he was playing at Cal State Fullerton and I was working at UC Irvine. We were a funny pair as I am only 5 feet tall (and we know how tall Hoppy was). He and I used to slow dance with me standing on a chair. I am so sorry that he and I lost touch and so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to his family.
Nicole Lewis
September 22, 2006
~*~My blessing to Ozells famliy~*~
I didnt know Ozell that well i knew him from my job at Juice Island he would always come in and order a greek salad with chicken and a jumbo lemon berry blast it wont be really the same with out him commin in at least once a week he seemed to be a pretty nice guy but hes in a better place now and the jones family will forever be in my prayers
luladee jones
September 22, 2006
to all those who love my son.i love each and everyone of you and i miss him so much i know his with god, andthank you all it was nice hearing from you . please call me at 562-599-5514 at any time love and kisses ozell jones- mom
johanna jones jones
September 21, 2006
at this time ozell jones mom and family.would like to thank everyone for all there love thought ,and memorie.and to the news papers we thank you so much to all the schools,friend,and church. thank you
September 21, 2006
How amazing it is to see how many people that my cousin touched. I will miss him very much, & to all of you who are praying for us( his family) Thank you very much! God Bless you also.
Angel(Hoppy's Cousin)
Pernell Moore
September 20, 2006
Daphne,
I remember when you, Ozell, and your son first went to the Living Word. I was so excited to have such a loving and warm family join us. Although I have been out of state for many years now, I often think of you and Ozell and smile with warm memories. Hold the many warm memories that you have close to your heart. I will be praying for you today and always. I love you!
Christine Toledo
September 20, 2006
Ozell is one who will be greatly missed and one who has blessed our lives. May God's comfort be with Daphne in this time of sorrow.
Christine T
September 20, 2006
Ozell is one who will be greatly missed and one who has blessed our lives.
carmen Brown
September 20, 2006
Sorry for your lost and my the lord be with you and your family.
Michael Whitfield
September 18, 2006
My sympathies are with Ozell's family and friends. I pray for an atmosphere of comfort and soundness to be with you at this time. God is in total control.
Michael & Petra Hannah
September 18, 2006
As we have come to know Ozell each and every time he walked into the sanctuary in full view, we send our love and appreciation for the "Gentle Giant". We will truely miss his presence and rest in knowing that he is stronger now interceding for many.
We send our continued prayers of love and comfort for the entire family.
Ellis Family
September 18, 2006
We love Ozell. He will be greatly missed. We are praying for you and your family.
~Shawn~
September 17, 2006
Praise God that we have a big prayer warrior on the other side. I will continually pray for the comfort of Ozells family. Yes, there are the easy and hard times in life... but God is good NO matter WHAT happens.
God Bless.
Unique Dennis
September 17, 2006
Ozell was a special person. He was a special part of the Living Word Worship Center where we meet and became family. He will be very missed by myself and my daughter. Now he is in a better place where he can interceed for those of us he left back here. I'm grateful to have known him. Janiece and I love you Ozell, Daphne, and Breon.
Sincerely,
Crystal Collier
September 17, 2006
Ozell Jones had a lot of loving friends and family; he was a caring person himself, although he would tend to keep most of his feelings within. I remember meeting Ozell Jones when he came to Sacramento to visit; this was right before me and my family moved to Palmdale, CA. I remember a close friend of mine crying because I was moving to Los Angeles; he told Ozell "make sure you watch over this one for me". I still remeber that.
Ozell would always ask how you were doing and what you've been up to, when you would see him. I will remember Ozell Jones as the "Loving Giant".
May God continue to bring comfort to his family.
With Much Love,
Thomas Whitley
September 17, 2006
Ozell was a sweet and kind man to me and my family.
Rev. Johnny Flores
September 17, 2006
Our condolences to the Jones Family. We share in your loss of your loved one, we know the pain . The Lord is our strenght in our times of our grief we will pray for you all .
Reggie & Ella Graham
September 17, 2006
Dear Daphne and Family,
Reggie and I are so sorry for your loss. We share your pain for we are all God's children and family. Our Father walks beside you to enfold you in His care, and loving friends are with you too, in thought, and love, and prayer. For He hath said, "I will never leave thee..." Hebrews 13:5 KJV.
With love Reggie and Ella Graham
Emily Perez
September 17, 2006
We are praying for continue strength for the Jones family. God is our comforter, our hightower, our strength. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Milton and Tristan Rodriguez
September 17, 2006
Ozell will be missed. We pray that God will dry the tears and comfort the heart of each family member and friend that is grieving.
Isela Toledo
September 17, 2006
Hello,
I would liken to say I am very sorry for your loss. Ozell was like a gental giant to me. He was always kind to me and my family.
Isela Toledo (AGE 11)
Tony Johnson
September 17, 2006
Ozell was a man that had the stature of Goliath, but the spirit of David, because he loved the Lord. He was my "Big Bro." and I loved him dearly. He will be missed and I will charish the memories of him and his cheerful personality. My love to Daphne and everyone that loved him. May God bless with an abundance of his grace and peace during this time.
Rashall Sanchez
September 17, 2006
Ozell you will be greatly missed. You were a joy to all those that really knew you. Although our hearts are sad, our spirits rejoice that you have final received your reward. I can see you praising God and giving thanks! May you rest in peace until we meet again on the other side.
To the family... you know that I love you all and my prayers are continually with you in your time of loss.
God Bless You All!
Aaron Stickel
September 17, 2006
Ozell was a good man with a big heart. I'm sad to see him go, but it's reassuring to know that he's in a better place waiting for us. He will be missed.
Debbie McBee
September 17, 2006
To Daphne and Family,
Ozell will be greatly missed. He was and is my brother in Christ. Physical death does not change that. I will always remember him ducking his head to enter the sanctuary and the times he would lift his hands to praise God. He had a tender heart toward the Lord and I am blessed to have known him in this life. Even in his death he has taught me some valuable life lessons.
May the God of all grace comfort and keep the entire family during this time.
Roberta Williams
September 17, 2006
All of Heaven is rejoicing, they have received their son Ozell.
Larry & Peggy Haynes
September 17, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gary Ellis
September 17, 2006
Our Sincere prayers go out to the family and friends of Ozell Jones.
We know that human words cannot give you the complete comfort that Only God can give in moments like these. But we do hope you understand how deeply sorry we are for your loss. We offer you our sincere prayers of comfort and we trust the Lord to help you through this time of grief.
We Will continue in prayer for you and your entire family
Rev. Gary D. Ellis and Family
Kim (Cole) Davis
September 16, 2006
"00", I once asked what kind of person would wear that number...well no one could do it like Ozell Jones. We were one big happy family in Fairmont Towers at WSU. And Ozell took the spotlight at our campus parties. He was always was a great guy to be around. Now I tell my sons...its not the jersey number that makes the player but its the player that makes the jersey number stand out. Thanks "Big Hoppy" for passing our way! Big E, your KC girls wanna hear from you! [email protected]
Angela McCraw-Moore
September 14, 2006
I just want to say that the memories that I have of Ozell are great. He was always happy and easy going. Meeting him, Big E (Ernie Kirton), and Cliff were one of the best experiences I've had. I loved when he would visit and ask my mom if he could have just, 'one more burger'. As long as he asked, then she would cook.
We hated to see him leave Wichita State but we knew that the future held nothing but good things for him.
Ozell, you will truly be missed by so many and I know that God has great things waiting for you.
Love and friends always!
John Shaw
September 14, 2006
I had the opportunity to meet Ozell through my father (Jerry Shaw) who has taught school at Wichita State for 30 plus years. Ozell was a really neat person and my father (who has taught thousands of students during that period still talks about Ozell and Cliff Livingston being two of his favorites. May God Bless the Jones family.
Craig Fuller
September 14, 2006
I'm gonna miss my good friend Hoppy. I also played with Ozell at Cal State Fullerton. He was a very special person, kind and giving. We shared lots of fun times. I remember when we played the Shockers and how he was treated when he returned by the fans, they REALLY loved and missed him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I hadn't seen O for some time, but I always tried to catch up with him when I return home to California. You will be missed Big Fella, but not forgotten. If there is anything the family needs I can be reached at 602-525-7253.
Mike McAlpine
September 13, 2006
I ran into Ozell in Phoenix during a business trip at a night club. He was the only familiar face i recognized far away from my roots of Wichita Ks. He remembered me from around town and came over and greeted me like old friends. I told anyone who would listen that i saw him there and was proud that we had a chance to speak!
michael anderson
September 13, 2006
I will truely miss my best friend (hop) ozell jones. I played at cal state fullerton and he was my room mate, we also lived next to each other in ingelwood, I can remember when we was room mates he and i use to have pop locking contest, I was beating him, then he said hey mike watch this, I saw for the first time a 6 feet 11" man break dancing spinning on the floor and twisting IT WAS ALL OVER WITH THEN. I'll miss my friend, if the family will call me please do so, Ill be right there. no 626 962 4553
Reuben Eckels
September 13, 2006
I will always remember Ozell Jones. He loved to dance. I first saw him dance at the Mother's Finest Club. I thought I was getting down until I saw Ozell move. I could not believe him moonwalking and popping across the floor. That was the type of person he was. Fun loving, nice full of energy and ready to help the team to a national prominence. Even though I played football and he basketball we were one big family. He would always say What's up Eck. He will truly be missed. To the family you are in our prayers. If there is anything I and my church family can do for you please let me know. I can be reached at 316-683-8921. I now pastor New Day Christian Church. "Let not your hearts be trouble, believe in God believe also in me."
Johnny Sanchez
September 13, 2006
I just read about Ozell's passing. I felt extreme sorrow for such a wonderful person to be taken. I was in high school and worked at a Carl's Jr. a block away from Cal State Fullerton. Ozell would come in all the time with his meal ticket. He made me and all the people there feel like we were all friends. He spoke fondly and proudly of his time at WSU. He gave me a picture of him from the Sports Illustrated article covering WSU from his last year there. He was looking forward to the season at CSF and would leave me tickets for all his home games. I don't know if people remember they beat #1 UNLV that year. I used to tell him he looked like my favorite player George Gervin. He would laugh. He was drafted by the Spurs, and got to play a year with the Iceman. I went to see him play the Lakers in LA, I went to the floor during warm-ups and Ozell kept looking at me, he finally smiled and waived to me. I didn't know him as well as most, but he was an example of what a true gentleman was. Never a bad word, never looked down at you, even though he was 7 feet, and treated everyone he came in contact with as a friend. I will truly miss him.
Sabrina (Bardwell) Titelbaum
September 13, 2006
It goes without saying that I was truly devastated when I heard that Ozell, "Hoppy" had passed away. Hoppy was a very special person in my life back when we were both still in Wichita, and I loved him dearly. He was the reason that I first moved to California and although our paths ended up going in separate directions when moving forward with our lives, we still cared and respected one another and had fun conversations whenever we talked. We remained good friends, and that was a wonderful thing. We hadn't spoken in a very long time, but somehow that never mattered because I just knew that one day I'd hear his voice or see him again and we'd share our stories about our families and what was going on now in our lives. But when I heard that he was no longer with us, the sadness was overwhelming. To his Mom Dee, sisters Debra, JoJo and Tina, and also to his wife Daphney who I never got the privilege to meet but was hoping one day I would, I want you to know that you will always be in my prayers and that I'm sure with all of the friends Hoppy had, he'll never be forgotten. Please let me know if there's anything I can do. I can be reached at (925) 899-8995 or on my e-mail address: [email protected]. Hoppy was special; and somehow I feel that he knew that just in the way he carried himself. :-) And I, too, will always remember him as being just that...Very Special.
Terry Atwater
September 13, 2006
It was truly a shock to find out that Hop (Ozell) had passed away. As a member of the Shocker basketball family, I can tell you he will truly be missed. I was a walk-on memeber of the WSU team in 1982-83 and although Hop was at Cal State Fullerton, he was one of the first people to call me when I was selected to the team. He told me he happy for me and impressed with the fact that I was able to walk on to a team ranked in the top 10 in the country. He also told me he was proud of me. Although he was no longer an active member of the Shocker family, he still followed the team and kept abreast of the activities of his friends. Hop, you will truly be missed.
Dave Wendell
September 13, 2006
I had season tickets when Ozell was a freshman. He was a crowd favorite because he was always happy and always hustled. I think the people in the stands felt like he was a friend. He had great connection with the fans.
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