But soon, Kennedy became a fixture in the school community. Box 127Honea Path, SC 29654The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. CHEERLEADER A GREATEST I TELL YOU WHAT HE LOVED. The teams coach, Harold Jones, hears the team members throw balls at the shed and goes to comfort Radio. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Hanna High School football games for more than 50 years. She has made appearances on various shows over the years and can be currently seen on the NBC series Chicago Med, playing the role of Sharon Goodwin. Funeral plans announced: James 'Radio' Kennedy to lie in state at T.L. Hanna High School officials said. They supported the Salvation Army and spent several Saturdays during the year at the local Sams Club collecting donations, Memories of James Kennedy, an inspiration and a celebrity, James 'Radio' Kennedy to lie in state at T.L. Following the death of Radio's mother, pressure from the school board to have Radio put in a specialized institution strengthens. Local icon died early Sunday morning at age of 73. The film takes somedramatic licenseand compresses decades of time into a single football season, but it's regarded as truthfully telling the story of friendship and a town's acceptanceof a man with intellectual disabilities and a warm smile. Can we communicate through the other respondent has disability? Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy passes away, family confirms. Until recently, the pair had kept up a regular schedule of volunteer work. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. ", Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. He'd been a fixture on the sidelines of T.L. Jones promised the boy's mother that he would help keep him out of trouble, so he arranged to have Radio attend Hanna High School as a junior. Hanna legend Radio died, and his grave still does not have a marker. Radio has been associated with the T.L. And the story is simple: love and compassion can change lives. Radio was previously hospitalized . He saw firsthand Radio's positivity and impact. "He was just a fine man. ", 'Love and compassion can change lives': Memories of James Kennedy, an inspiration and a celebrity. Todays juniors and seniors are the last class who went a full year with Kennedy. NIGEL: THE T.L. Radio's increased attention from Jones is faced with resistance from the football team's parents, who see Radio as a distraction from their own sons' successes. Harris entered Radio as one of the more respected actors in Hollywood. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on TV and was recently on the Netflix series Luke Cage. His father worked as a cook on merchant ships and abandoned the family when Belafonte was young. Kennedy wasa role model for students by his example, said Jan Burdette, a longtime nurse at Hanna. "Jones said he and others have picked up a marker for Radio's grave that costs $4,700.They have started collecting donations to make the purchase. You can send your sympathy in the . If you would like to contribute, you can mail a check to:RadioC/O Commercial BankP.O. All American Speakers Bureau is a full-service talent booking agency providing information on booking Coach Harold Jones for speaking engagements, personal appearances and corporate events. Kelly Clarkson's Home Collection Is Up to 74% Off During Way Day Deals, The Best Wayfair Way Day Deals 2023 Starting at $30. [citation needed] ReelSports provided the football and basketball coordination for the film. ", Hilton added: "It was destiny that he arrived on that football field some fifty years ago. General Recommendations for Communicating with All Persons with Disabilities: Talk to persons with disabilities in the same way and with a normal tone of voice (not shouting) as you would talk to anyone else. Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift. Hanna football program for decades after showing up on the field as a teenager in 1964. For decades, Kennedy was an unofficial11th-grader at Hanna, where hekept vigilsince 1965 and never considered himself on the brink of departure from the school he loved like the 12th-graders were. "Radio touched so many people," Jones said. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. On review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 36% approval rating with the consensus reading: "The story is heavy on syrupy uplift and turns Radio into a saint/cuddly pet". But he was not. LIFE IN ANDE, T.L. "Grandma asked Mama if she would take care of Radio and Cool Rock and again, Mama did not hesitate," Jacqueline said. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Her husband of 45 years, her children and Jones ? We didn't have a worry at all for Radio or his brother. OUR ALLEN DEVLIN IS LIVE AT T.L. "Everyone has a story to tell, some of them priceless his eating a cooler full of sandwiches that had been made for the team and stored safely on the bus; his pass-kick-and-throw half-time shows; his permanent status as a junior, with no threat of graduation; and his astounding ability to name the mascot of any team in the state.". HE INSPIRED MY LIFE. Hanna': Coach Jones remembers James 'Radio' Kennedy, A POPULAR PRESENCE AT TL HANNA THE KEY FIXTURE ON THIS SIDE LINE SINCE THE MID-1960S WHEN HE SHOWED UP WITH A RADIO TRANSISTOR. Radio died in December at the age of 73. >> JAMES "RADIO" KENNEDY PASSED AWAY SUNDAY MORNING AFTER AN ONGOING BATTLE WITH PANCREA-TITUS AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES. We are here to help! He was without a Harvard degree or Pulitzer Prize or professional football contract, but his fame surpassed all of these accolades. Hanna football coach Harold Jones befriended Radio.The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003.Radio was previously hospitalized in early December, according to Jones. ", As for Kennedy, he was so proud of the movie, he would often greet people by saying,"Have you seen my movie? Fans can currently see Harris on the HBO series Westworld. All rights reserved. The movie "Radio," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role, told the story of how Kennedy was eventually accepted and ultimately celebrated. During an emotional moment in the film, coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) told his daughter, Mary Helen, about a mentally handicapped young boy who was kept locked in an open area under a house. HE LOVED IT OUT DEW THAT COACHING COACH HAROLD JONES TOOK HIM UNDER HIS WING ONE OF THE CLOSEST TO RADIO WITNESSING FIRSTHAND HIS IMPACT. He was nicknamed Radio by the coaches and players. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hanna High School. But when he would come in, hed say Why are you tired? "Him being a special-needs person, that really helped all kids with special needs, and I'm not just talking about Hanna but all over the world," he said. He had a disability, and would hold a transistor radio to his ear hence the nickname. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Sarah Drew - Mary Helen Jones. The football stadium would bear his statue after the 2003 blockbuster hit film named for him. "He just has so much love to give. They have started collecting donations to make the purchase. A group of players retaliate the following day by tying Radio's hands and feet, locking him in the gear shed, and throwing footballs at the door to scare him. Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy has passed away, according to his niece and caregiver Jackie Kennedy.Kennedy said Radio, 73, was taken to Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson County on Saturday afternoon. And he hopes that Kennedy's legacy will live on in the students he inspired for generations. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. His funeral service was held a few days later, and in lieu of flowers, Jones wrote that memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club or the Outdoor Dream Foundation, both charities that Jones and Radio supported during their time together. Hanna coach Harold Jones. One of the football players who had previously tormented him tricks Radio into entering the girls' locker room. "Radio was the heart and soul of T.L. While coaches came and went, Kennedy was a constant. He will star in the upcoming film Irresistible, which will also feature Steve Carrell, Rose Byrne and Chris Cooper. He said that he would see the boy when he was delivering newspapers many years earlier. "The community, they just love Radio," Coach Jonestold WSPAin 2016, during Kennedy's 70th birthday celebration. Jones and Radio were friends for over 50 years until Radio passed away at 73 on 15 December 2019. He has continued to work consistently over the last 17 years, with his last film being Bayou Caviar, which was released in 2018. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. We will miss him incredibly," football coach Harold Jones told TMZ. Do you know Radio?' Great Jones Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying? In 1964, Jones noticed a young man who would hold a transistor radio to his ear and come to football practice every day. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. James "Radio" Kennedy,the inspiration for a Hollywood movieand a man described as"in his element when spreading joy," died early Sunday. He soon encounters a suspicious police officer, and his impaired ability to communicate leads to his arrest on the charge of possessing stolen property. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Hanna," said Jones. Hanna football field for more than 50 years, and his life inspired the 2003 film "Radio.". It's been nearly a year since T.L. Hanna High School, Radio, Coach Jones ring bell for Salvation Army in Anderson, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Harold George Belafonte Jr. was born March 1, 1927 in New York city to poor Caribbean immigrants. / CBS News, James "Radio" Kennedy, known as a bright light in Anderson, South Carolina, died Sunday at the age of 73, CBS affiliateWSPA-TV reports. Contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent. The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. "We all loved him. He was born August 27, 1948 to the late Harold Jones, Sr. and Harvie Sue Darby Jones. He was invited to attend practices for the Carolina Panthers and made a bond with Clemson University's football team, but his true love was Hanna and the students there,said Allen and Jackie Kennedy, the niece who cared for Radio since 2011. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. However, the other officers recognize Radio and he is released. The film's lead character, Radio, is based on James Robert "Radio" Kennedy, who was born October 14, 1946[2] in Anderson, South Carolina. In Anderson is where Kennedy's heart, and his big beaming smile, will remain. Not much later, director Michael Tollin helped bring the story to life in the movie "Radio" starring Ed Harris as Coach Jones and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Radio. It has changed his, and, in return, he has changed ours, and we are better people for having known him. What are the factors to consider when buying a laptop? They should be loved," Jones said. Amid diabetes, kidney failure and pancreatitis, he still signed dozens of autographs from his hospital room. All rights reserved. Winger gained popularity in her 20s as she is known for starring in the 1980s films An Officer and a Gentleman and Terms of Endearment. Jones and Radio were friends for over 50 years until Radio passed away at 73 on 15 December 2019. BEN A SPECIAL NEED PERSON THAT REALLY HELPED AL IS IT SPECIAL? 'He always will be T.L. Some remember the time he ate a cooler full of sandwiches that hadbeen tucked awayon a bus for the football team. HE IS VERY PROUD. - June 11, 2020 03:23 pm EDT. Contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent for more information on Coach Harold Jones speaking fees, availability, speech topics and cost to hire for your next live or virtual event. James Robert "Radio" Kennedy hugs T.L. He became very popular with the students and became an unofficial 11th-grade student at the school in 1965. Hilton also noted that Kennedy is "arguably the most famous person to come out of Anderson," with publications like Sports Illustrated, Readers' Digest, ESPN, and CBS News telling his story. The soundtrack to Radio was released on October 21, 2003. NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture 2023 www.independentmail.com. They will hear stories from those who knew her as people stop by to visit at the Unity Mortuary in Anderson from 11 a.m. Thursday until 12:30 p.m. Friday. Radio was previously hospitalized in early December, according to Jones. Jones said he and others have picked up a marker for Radio's grave that costs $4,700. It was filmed primarily in Walterboro, South Carolina because its buildings and downtown core still fit the look of the era the film was trying to depict.Radio (2003 film). Who was Karl Lagerfeld? She helped care for her aunt, who was blind, when she was just a child. ", Lawyer: Oconee County should prove Dollar General decision, Anderson officials say art will enhance new downtown park, One arrested after student shot near Clemson, Plaintiff must produce medical records in Seneca lawsuit, Coroner: Overdoses are Anderson Countys No. His role as Radio's mentor was immortalized in the Sony Pictures film, "Radio." I will love and miss him always. The 2003 movie was based on astory that originated in the Independent Mail in 1993, and it was expanded for a Sports Illustrated story three years later. Hanna," said Jones. NOW THAT HE IS GONE, HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON. I believe it really helped. Tom Jones, age 72 of Murfreesboro, Arkansas passed away on December 2, 2020 in Hot Springs. Perhaps nobody showed a closer bond with Radio than Jones. She said he passed away early Sunday morning. In 2019, Drew starred in the film Twinkle . He and Jones used to ring Salvation Army bells for Christmas, and Kennedy raised money regularly outside of Sam's Club. bio for Coach Harold Jones agency, manager, speaker fees, speaking agency entertainment booking agency, speaker's fee, how to book, booking agencies for lectures, speaking event, celebrity appearances for hire, who is agent, manager, publicist, who represents, speakers bureau management who represents Coach Harold Jones. Many speakers, including former football coach Harold Jones whose relationship with Kennedy is central to the movie "Radio," eulogized the joyous life of Kennedy. On Monday, Mary Kennedy died at the age of 63 at the home of Andrea Wideman, her daughter. The coaches embraced him, and as coaches came and went, someone would always take over in caring for him. Jacqueline said she misses hearing her mother laugh as they told stories of their childhood. He became a fixture at football practices, standing passively and watching, until one day when he began to mimic the coaches' signals and tried his hand at yelling out commands.". She made sure she had everything she needed. Cuba Gooding Jr., who portrayed Radio in the 2003 film, said: "Sometimes God sends us inspiration in the human form James Robert 'Radio' Kennedy was and will always be the wings to that inspiration. Coach Jones is a leader, seasoned educator and sports coach at Hanna High. Kennedy was consistently himself. All American Entertainment Named to Inc. Best Workplaces in 2022. Hanna, and he always will be T.L. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He is well respected in the community for his professional opinion and expertise in sports. Coach Jones frees Radio and punishes the wrongdoers by making them run extra wind sprints after practice. Andrea Wideman said she will miss hearing her mother talk about God. She started taking care of Radio and Cool Rock when their mother, Janie Mae Greenlee, died in 1994. Jones said the film changed his life and Kennedy's for the better. Contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent for more information on Coach Harold Jones speaking fees, availability, speech topics and cost to hire for your next live or virtual event. One coach, Harold Jones, took him under his wing, and their relationship served as the inspiration behind the 2003 film, "Radio." Cuba Gooding Jr. played a young Kennedy and Ed Harris played. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY A YEAR YEAR SINCE TL HANNA LEGEND RADIO DIED. She was nominated for Academy Awards in both films and would continue to work steadily over the years. The passion he held and the love he inspired have often been cited. Hanna principal Sheila Hilton wrote about the local legend when news of his death broke. Joe Coviello, a highly respected and legendary football coach who spent more than six decades serving Hudson County in athletics and education, died Tuesday in Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic. Hanna football coach, played by Ed Harris, was inspired by a 1996 Sports Illustrated article, Someone to Lean On , by Gary Smith. James "Radio" Kennedy died surrounded by his family early Sunday morning, T.L. Hanna High Coach Harold Jones. Merkerson is known more for her TV roles as she was on Law & Order from 1993-2010. "Pat actually became just like their mother. "His story is amazing," Dawkins said. Even though she was working, she took care of those two.". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Jones reflected recently with. If you would like to contribute, you can mail a check to: The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. He said Radio was treated for pancreatitis, along with ongoing diabetes and kidney issues. He was known to ask students before football games, "We gonna get that quarterback? Radio: SC Locations Because of remodeling at the real-life location for much of the story, T.L. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. He has been associated with the T.L. HERES THE RENDERING AND THEY ARE ASKING FOR THE COMMUNITYS HELP TO PAY FOR IT. By 1999, Jones was set to retire and Radio was still running strong with the team. HES LIKE FAMILY TO ME. Coach Jones returns Radio to his home, where he meets Radios mother. This was the only day he didn't ride the bus to and from school, Coach Harold Jones remainedactive in Radios life. It launched him and the city of Anderson into the spotlight. His message of acceptancehas reached around the world, said Harold Jones, who was the football coach at T.L. HELL ALWAYS BE TIL. Kennedy had been hospitalized ahead of his passing, WSPA reports. Following the holidays, Radio begins taking classes in the high school to complete his formal education. He kept coming back," said former T.L. At that point, he could have been labeled a distraction and sent away. He spent his final hours in hospice Saturday. At a Christmas mass, Radio receives several gifts from the townspeople, and Mary Helen confides to her father that while she does not blame him for neglecting her, she cannot understand the reason for his interest in Radio. Advertisement. "Fun facts" about Radio listed on Anderson School District Five's website in an article written by former Hanna principal Sheila Hilton: More: Radio, Coach Jones ring bell for Salvation Army in Anderson, Friends celebrate 71st birthday with Radio. Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. I will love and miss him always.". Find the obituary of Harold Jones (1937 - 2022) from Dowagiac, MI. JOHANNA LOST ITS BIGGEST CHEERLEADER, BUT THE MEMORIES HE TO STAY RADIO WAY. "Grandma asked Mama if she would take care of Radio and Cool Rock and again, Mama did not hesitate," Jacqueline said. >> I AM VERY PROUD OF RADIO. Kennedy first showed up on the field as a teenager in the 1960s. Most fans know her as Dr. April Kepner on Grey's Anatomy, and she was on the show from 2009-2018. >> FOR BRAD, THE ONE THING THAT OVERPOWERS SADNESS IN RADIOS PASSING IS PRIDE. [5] Cuba Gooding Jr. earned a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actor for his performance in the film but also an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture. Radio's mother suddenly dies of a heart attack, and Radio finds himself living alone until his absent older brother Walter finally returns to care for him.