Longtime Oxford teacher killed in traffic accident
Mar. 12—OXFORD — Phillip Jones, who spent 23 out of 29 years in education teaching at Oxford Middle School, was killed in an automobile accident in Jacksonville on Saturday.
Jacksonville police Chief Marcus Wood confirmed to The Anniston Star on Sunday the investigation into the accident has not been completed.
Jones taught eighth-grade physical science and was a Greenpower USA coach at OMS. His wife, Elaine, is also a teacher at the school.
The 1988 graduate of Hokes Bluff High School earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University in 1992, then earned a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2005.
Jones also earned a Minister's license in 1989 and worked with his wife in youth ministries. He has served as a youth pastor, minister of music/worship leader and associate pastor as well as working at children's and youth camps during the summers. He was also a sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
"He loved Jesus and he wanted to show that to young people," his wife posted to his social media account on Sunday. "If they learned science along the way then that was a bonus."
He began his teaching career in 1994 at Jacksonville Christian Academy then spent two years at Ohatchee High School before coming to Oxford Middle School in 2000.
Jones also taught robotics, beginner piano, music production, career prep and helped with the makerspace where students can create projects or crafts based on their own interest or what they are studying in class.
Staff Writer Brian Graves: 256-236-1551.
