Who do you know from Jones Valley who made a difference, who achieved a notable level of success, fame or notoriety.  Perhaps they got their PhD, MD, DMD, DVM, JD,  became a CEO, CFO, Mayor, Governor or Congressman; played college or professional sports; became a successful writer, artist, inventor or otherwise gained notoriety or achieved something worthy of note.  To add someone you think worthy, please send me an email with their name, year of graduation/attendance, accomplishment and some details.

Virginia Maxwell George, class of 1942.   Virginia earned a BS in Nursing  from Vanderbilt University; a Master of Science degree Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Arts in Psychology from George Peabody College.  Virginia taught at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for 28 years and was Director of the graduate Family Nurse Practitioner program for the past fifteen years.
 

Bob Carr, a 1946 graduate who entered Army Air Corps (later US Air Force) immediately after graduating. Discharged in 1949 to enroll at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1953 with a BS in General Business. Played baseball at UA in '50, '51 & '52, All SEC Centerfielder in '52 and named to the Bama All-Century team. Signed a professional contract with the Cleveland Indians; that career ending with a knee injury. Retired as VP-Sales, Blue Circle, Inc. (previously Martin Marietta Corporation.

Harold G. Glasgow graduated from Jones Valley in 1947,  received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from the University of Alabama (1951), and also holds an M.S. degree in International Affairs from George Washington University (1972).

Prior to graduating from UA, Harold was drafted into the US Marine Corps on Sept. 26, 1951.  He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in March 1953 while in Korea.

Harold ultimately rose to the rank of Major General; This two-star grade is the Marine Corp's third highest rank.  Click here to read MG Glasgow's Official Marine Corps Biography.

Guy Bruce graduated from Jones Valley in 1949 and went on to play center for Auburn

Robert D (Bob) Harris Class of 1952:    Played basketball, baseball (Professionally with Cincinnati Reds Organization) football (Jones Valley High School “All Time Team”) (Samford University Defensive player of the year).

Bob earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Samford University, Masters of Arts Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and additional AA certificate credits from Montevallo University and had a 33 year career as a Teacher, Coach (football, baseball & basketball), Athletic Director, Principal and Administrator in Blount and Jefferson County Alabama.

He coached Jones Valley High School to its only Alabama State Championship game in Football and coached six members of this JVHS Hall of Fame thereby earning over a number of different years the honor of “Coach of the Year” from, Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club; Birmingham Post Herald and other Jefferson County and Birmingham Metro Organizations. (Nominated in 2009 to the Alabama High School Athletic Association, (AHSAA, Hall of Fame).

However, accolades of  “Coach of the Year”  and positions and titles of Coach , Athletic Director ,Principal and Administrator all  pail in comparison to a complete life of exceptional devotion to  the development of our countries greatest asset, its young people and our State and Nation  are all better because of Bob’s commitment thereto.

Bob blended his love and passion for sports and the sharing of their values with young people with civic service to: North Highlands Baptist Church, St Jude Hospital, The Salvation Army, Jimmie Hale Mission, AT&T Pioneers, and Samford University Alumni Association.

Bob’s seemingly least significant athletic endeavor,i.e. founding Golf teams at Jones Valley and Susan More High Schools has severed him best personally because today at age 75 you will find him and his wife Jo Ann  any day now playing golf at the Woodward Country Club.

Bill Sparks graduated from Jones Valley in 1953 and distinguished himself as a teacher, coach and administrator.  He earned his BS from Samford and his Masters from Auburn.  Spent 21 years at Midfield High School where his football teams posted a 136-73-2 record with six playoff appearances. Also serving as athletic director and assistant principal, he helped implement the nation's first mandatory drug testing program for all school athletes. He was an assistant baseball coach at Mississippi State and coached baseball for 15 years at Ensley and Phillips, compiling a 327-120 overall record. He was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
He served two terms as AHSAA Central Board president before retiring as Shelby County school superintendent.

Joe Johnston was a student at Jones Valley from 1947-51 along with the class of 1954.  Joe lived in the Powderly/Tarpley City area. He retired from the Air Force after twenty-one years...then stayed with the Air Force as a Civil Servant for another twenty-three years. He spent many years working on the famous TITAN II Missile Systems. During these two careers, Joe earned his Radio Amateur License, his FCC 2nd Class License and an Associates Degree...with a call sign of W5AOE.

An artist, poet and writer...Joe is the author of four published books...the "Snag & Me" series...about the adventures of two boys raised in the rural areas of Alabama during the 1940's. Although fiction, the stories are drawn from the author's life and incorporates many of the friends and experiences he had while living in the Jones Valley area. The books are written with humor and from the heart and are filled with countless examples of basic values and many of life's most important lessons.

Joe lives in Fayetteville, Tennessee with his wife of 50 years, Margie....and is currently reestablishing contact with other former friends and Tarpley City residents. If you would like to contribute memories or are interested in the "Snag & Me" series..contact Joe at w5aoe@Bellsouth.net  .

Charles Kenneth "Tookie" Kicker graduated from Jones Valley in 1957 and distinguished himself in the service of his country.  "Tookie" graduated from the University of Alabama, was commissioned in the United States Navy and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Captain.

He served at sea in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet in various ships and staffs. He commanded two ships, served as Operations Officer for Commander Second Fleet and was Commander of a Destroyer Squadron with 17 ships and over 5000 people in his command.

He served in Washington D.C. on the staff of Chief of Naval Personnel and the Chief of Naval Operations and his most recent assignment was Director of Training for the Chief of Naval Education and Training.

He led the development and implementation of the Navy's Core Values, wrote and facilitated the inaugural command leadership training.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, his personal decorations include four Legion of Merits, the Meritorious Service Medal, and a Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat "V".

Now retired from the Navy, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Florida American Cancer Society Board of Directors where he chairs the Field Operations Committee, serves on the By-Laws and Personnel sub committee, and is past Chairman of the Volunteer Leadership Institute. He also serves on his church Board of Trustees and Management Team.

He is presently a Senior Business Analyst and co-owner of Provident Solutions Group Inc. He resides in Pensacola with his wife, Judi. They have two sons, Ken & Josh, two delightful daughters-in-law, Jenny and Lydia, and twin grandchildren, Ethan and Alexandria, and a new grandson, Ryan

Claude Harris, one of Jones Valley’s most distinguished alumni, graduated from Jones Valley in 1958 and the University of Alabama in 1962.  Admitted to the bar in 1965 he served as Assistant District Attorney until 1976 when he became Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.  He acted as Presiding Judge from 1980 through 1983. 

In 1986 Claude was elected U.S. Congressman for the 7th District of Alabama serving through 1992.  Upon leaving the House he was appointed U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. 

 Claude’s life was cut short when he passed away on October 2nd 1994.  He is survived by his wife: Barbara Ann Cork Harris of Tuscaloosa; a daughter: Kathy Lancaster; a son: Trip; and four grandchildren: Jonathan David Harris, Jordan Drew Harris, Deran Kathleen Harris and Joshua Lee Harris. 

Claude was a member o Delta Sigma Pi professional fraternity, Theta Xi social fraternity, Forest Lake Baptist Church and served in the Alabama Army National Guard from 1967 reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 He served on the Executive Board of the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America and was Immediate Past Chairman of the Choctaw Division.  He was an Advisory Board Member and Immediate Past Chairman of the Salvation Army; Board Chairman of West Alabama Rehabilitation Center; Director of the American Red Cross.  He was a member of: the Tuscaloosa Exchange Club; Tuscaloosa Spouse Abuse Network; University of Alabama National Alumni Association; Shelton State Community College Business Advisory Committee; The American Heart Association; Operation Warm-Up; The United Negro College Fund Drive; and 1984 Father of the Year, Tuscaloosa County Cowbelles.

 

An outstanding athlete at Jones Valley, Tommy earned 13 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track.  In football he was All County, All Opponent, All State and All Time at Jones Valley.  In basketball he was All City, All District and was the leading scorer in the City in the1957-58 season.  In track he was the State Champion in the 880 yard run.  In Baseball he was a three-time All Star in the East-West All Star Game.

He was offered full scholarships in both football and baseball by the University of Alabama.  He accepted the baseball scholarship and became All SEC as Alabama's "Home Run King".

He received his BS degree and MA degree from Alabama and his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University.

Following school he founded the Tommy E. Hill Professional Association in Birmingham where he has practiced law.  As a jurist Tommy has argued cases in both the Alabama State Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals.

As a businessman he has participated in the ownership, development, management, purchase and sale of millions of dollars of apartments, office buildings and a shopping center.

As a civic leader, Tommy has served as President of the Vestavia Hills Board of Education, a member of the Alabama “A” Club Educational and Charitable Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Advisory Council to the President of Samford University, a member of the Board of Trustees of Birmingham Baptist Medical Centers, Chairman of the International Board of Trustees of Haggai Institute and a Deacon and member of the Board of Trustees of Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

 Tommy’s proudest and most significant accomplishment was marrying his high school sweetheart, Miss Jones Valley of 1956, Joyce Lee Smith and producing two daughters and four granddaughters all of who reside in Birmingham.

 Detailed biographical summary information with a list of over two hundred fifty research articles and photos attached is located at tommyehill.blogspot.com    

Thomas Al Saunders, Sr graduated in1958.  Tommy as one of the all time most intelligent graduates of Jones Valley has used his Brownie heritage to become exceedingly successful as a Scholar, Engineer, Corporate Executive, and Christian Minister. 

At Jones Valley he played Alto Saxophone in the marching band achieving an All State Band Medal while in the classroom only one time earning any grade other than an (A). He was inducted into The National Honor Society, elected as Student Body Treasurer and received the American Legion Outstanding Student Award.

 Tommy attended Auburn University and was a member of the Auburn Marching Band graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering with “high honors” as the Number One Electrical Engineering Student, recipient of the Presidents Award as the outstanding graduate of the school of engineering and runner up for Engineer of the Year.   While at Auburn Tommy also received the following honors; inducted into,

 Phi Eta Sigma National Freshman Honorary Society, Eta Kappa Nu Association National Honorary Fraternity for Electrical Engineers, Pi Mu Epsilon National Honorary Mathematics Fraternity, Tau Beta Pi Fraternity for Outstanding Engineers in Every Field, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Fraternity and was elected as

 President of Eta Kappa Nu and Secretary of the Engineering Council

 With the foregoing academic accomplishments he was quickly employed for the next 30 years by” The Bell System” (AT&T Bell Labs, South Central Bell, Southern Bell, Bell South, and Bell Core Laboratories.  Tommy received professional recognitions as “Young Engineer of the Year” in 1974 and “Engineer of the Year” in 1981 by The Engineering Council of Birmingham

 After briefly attending Harvard Business School in 1987 he continued ascending the Bell System corporate ladder to the position of Vice President Bell Core Laboratories. Prior to reaching this apex of his career he held the following  executive positions with various Bell entities: Manager- Network Engineering and Planning in Birmingham, General Manager Network Planning and Engineering for the State of Alabama., Vice President Network Planning  for the five states of South Central Bell, and then for the nine state Bell South territory.

  In 1996 Tommy received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Auburn University

 for recognition of achievement, leadership and high ethical standards in the profession of engineering, civic awareness and loyalty to Auburn University College of Engineering. 

 Being married to his pretty Jones Valley High School Sweetheart (Beth Morse) for 46 years and producing two beautiful daughters and a handsome son and eight grandchildren uniquely qualified him to be a Miss Alabama Pageant Judge. Tommy and Beth are currently serving as Governor Mike Huckabee committed delegates to the  2008 Republican National Convention 

Tommy became the Dean of Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s Seminary in Birmingham after retiring from Bell South. He held this position for six years and now serves there as a “community pastor”. 

Tommy’s most significant intelligent achievements are his loving family and his continuing Christian Service. The uncompleted design aspect of his life is yet to be performed but to date his greatest honor is he confesses all his successes are a result of his life long personal relationship with Jesus Christ and this relationship provides him the intellectual assurance when he has completed his last responsibility he will spend eternity with the great creative engineer of the universe.

Dianna Brown Murphree, class of 1962.  Dianna Sue was crowned Ms. Alabama Senior America 2006-2007.   In November 2006, she represented the state in the Ms. Senior America Pageant held in Las Vegas where she was selected as one of the “Top 10" senior women in the country.   Dianna attended Jones Valley from the first through the twelfth grade and declares her biggest honor to date was being crowned “Miss Jones Valley 1962."   She marched with the band for fourteen years starting as a mascot at age 4.  Dianna was head majorette for four years and was “Miss Majorette of Alabama 1961-1962.

Dianna  has performed with Birmingham Children’s Theater, and the University of Alabama’s Town and Gown,  both under the direction of the late James Hatcher.  Her latest stage appearance was with the Arts Council of Trussville Area in Clare Boothe Luce’s “The Women.”  She has served as  judge for the Miss America Pageant System’s Alabama and Georgia  preliminaries for over  25 years.

Some of Dianna’s past and present  community service includes: Ambassador for the City of Pelham, Birmingham Festival of Arts, the Alabama State Poetry Society Board,  the Alabama Writers’ Conclave Board, and The Salvation Army Advisory Board.

A published poet and author,  Dianna’s work  is included in the  “Grits Guide to Life,” and “Ordinary and Sacred as Blood - Alabama Women Speak,” an anthology of seventy five Alabama writers. 

Address: Houston, Texas
Birth: Birmingham, Alabama, Nov. 22, 1944 to the Rev. and Mrs. Frank R. Morse as the fourth of seven children and only son among six girls.

Education: Attended elementary and secondary school in Birmingham; graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1962. Attended King College in Bristol,TN for one semester; graduated from Belhaven College, Jackson, MS in 1966 with a major in history. Enrolled in Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS in 1966; graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1969. Graduate study at Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem, Israel, June - August, 1971; Institute of Holy Land Studies, Jerusalem, Israel, June, 1973 - February, 1974; February, 1976; February - March, 1978.

Ordination: July 13, 1969 by Augusta-Macon Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.
Work Experience: Assistant Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in the United States, Macon, GA from June, 1969 - May, 1971. Professor of Hebrew, Reformed Theological Seminary, June, 1971 - May, 1978. Pastor, Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church, June, 1978 - Nov. 1980. Pastor, Church of the Redeemer, Orthodox Presbyterian, Sacramento, CA, December, 1980 - July, 1984. Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in America, Memphis, TN, August, 1984 - May, 1991. Rector, Immanuel Reformed Episcopal Church, Memphis, TN, May 1991 - April 2001. Consecrated Bishop, August 23, 1996. Serve as Bishop Co-adjutor in the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

Family: Married to Marianne Porcher McCravey of Forest, MS, June 13, 1967. Children: Davidson Rogan, July 10, 1970; James McCravey, June 15, 1972; Judith Anna, December 11, 1974; and Owen Palmer, February 24,

Kenny Tatum

Kenny married Rebecca Wren from Jones Valley class of 1962.

For more on Kenny, go to http://www.baseball-reference.com/t/tatumke01.shtml

    Tommy Cox graduated from Jones Valley in 1963.  In 1990 Tommy and his wife Evelyn established The Cox Arboretum and Gardens on a 13 acre private estate in the foothills of the Piedmont range in Canton, Georgia.  Conceived as a project to collect garden-worthy plants in 1990, the gardens have grown to over 4,000 specimens to become one of the largest private collections of temperate flora in the entire United States.  The mission has evolved with a present focus on plant evaluation, preservation of rare and endangered flora and to develop a public appreciation and enlightenment of plants. It also serves a scientific and educational purpose, through testing and displaying new and rare plants in a garden setting.

Tom served as national president of the American Conifer Society www.conifersociety.org (2006-2008). He now travels the world in search of conifers that might be adaptable to southeastern U.S. Along with Dr. John Ruter, he is in the process of co-authoring a first-ever book on conifers for the south. 

The Arboretum’s web site is www.coxgardens.com .  Also you may enjoy a video presentation of the Arboretum at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5255336612190760351 .

For more information on Bob, click here.

Eddie Gilbert graduated from Jones Valley in 1964, received his B.S. in Geology from The University of Alabama 1969, his M.S. ( Geology) from  The University of Alabama 1974 and his Ph.D. (Geology) from The University of Tennessee 1981.  Ed married Cathy Rittman, JVHS class of 68 in 1971.  Cathy is also a member of the Jones Valley Hall of Fame.

Ed worked for the Geological Survey of Alabama and Chevron Minerals, taught at Auburn University, and worked as a private consultant in minerals and petroleum exploration. After joining Exxon he worked in research, Alaska production, and both domestic and international exploration and production. His last assignment was in the Critical Technology Group. Ed then joined Ocean Energy, where he worked in South America, the Middle East, South Asia, China, and West Africa. Following a merger, he became senior staff advisor in international exploration at Devon Energy, responsible for technical oversight and technical risk assessment for international exploration projects, and consulted on international production and new business development. Now semi-retired, he works on special projects for the corporate exploration department. Ed has authored and edited papers and reference books on geology and geophysics, and speaks at technical conferences in the US and overseas. Ed also mentors junior geoscientists, and serves on thesis committees for graduate students.

 As a military historian, Ed has authored technical reports and books on modern US and opposing-forces vehicles, has written for hobby, veteran’s, and historical magazines, and for the Marine Corps Museums and History Division. Ed has also authored several general-audience books on military history, including the series Marine Tank Battles In The Pacific (2001); Marine Corps Tank Battles In Korea (2003); and Marine Corps Tank Battles In Vietnam (2008). Marine Corps Tank Battles In Vietnam was a featured selection of The Military Book Club, and was the featured book for Leatherneck Magazine (published by the Marine Corps Association) for July 2008. He is currently at work on a fourth volume in the series, covering Marine Corps campaigns in the Middle East from the 1954 intervention in Lebanon through the current occupation of Iraq. Ed also authored several volumes in the Osprey Publishing (UK) Warrior series, including: U S Marine Corps Tank Crewman, 1965 – 1970, Vietnam (2004); U S Marine Corps Raider, 1941 – 1942 (2006); Native American Code Talker, 1941 – 1945 (2008); and Frontier Militiaman in the War of 1812: Southwestern Frontier (2008).  Ed also authored an organizational study, The US Marine Corps In The Vietnam War, III Marine Amphibious Force 1965 – 1972. He is currently completing a study of the evolving organizational structure of Fleet Marine Force divisions in World War II. Ed has also served as a historical consultant for international development projects, as a technical advisor to film and television projects, and has appeared on CNN.

Gary Plowman graduated from Jones Valley in 1964 and went on to become a MD.  He is currently practicing in Lihue, Hawaii specializing in Otolaryngology.

Jack Traffanstedt graduated from Jones Valley in 1965.  Jack was an outstanding athlete at Jones Valley High School with varsity letters in Baseball, Basketball, and Football, being an All County selection in Football and an All Star Player in the annual East-West State All Star Baseball Game. 

He accepted a full four year baseball scholarship to the University of Alabama where he played on a Southeastern Conference Championship Baseball Team and was selected All Western Division and All Southeastern Conference. 

He holds Four University of Alabama Baseball Season Records for most, Hits, Runs, Triples, and Stolen Bases while Only Striking Out Four Times for the entire season his senior year. (See rolltide.com; Baseball; 2007 Media guide; Honors and Awards and The Alabama Record Book, Year-by Year Statistical Leaders)  

After graduating from the University of Alabama he signed a Professional Baseball Contact With the Oakland A's and played in their minor league system until a shoulder injury ended his baseball career. 

Jack is the current president of The University of Alabama A-Club Alumni Association (2007-2009)

 He has distinguished himself as a successful business man with State Farm Insurance Company for thirty three years having been recognized in the insurance industry  as a “Select Agent.” 

Jack is a well respected civic leader in his community having served on the Vestavia Hills Board of Education and being an active member in the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. 

He has also been active in his community working in both boys and girls youth activities including coaching boy’s baseball teams and girl’s softball teams. He has tried along with his wife Jane Ann (Woodlawn University) to produce their own girl’s softball team with three daughters and three granddaughters; however this plan has been interrupted because they are now expecting a Grandson in January 2008.

  Jerry Bradley graduated from Jones Valley in 1967.  At Jones Valley, Jerry played football and ran track.  He earned his BS degree from Jacksonville State University , MS degree from Middle Tennessee State University, MS degree from Alabama A&M , and yet another MS Degree from Alabama A&M University.

Jerry's distinguished himself as a college and high school football coach spanning 32 years. His coaching career began at Jacksonville State University as a graduate assistant offensive line coach under the legendary Jimmy Fuller.  His travels later sent him to Tarrant High School, Lee High School in Huntsville, University of the South(more popularly known as "Sewanee"), Middle Tennessee State University and finally back to Lee High School for the last 24 years.

At Tarrant High School he served as offensive line coach.   Later he went to Lee High School as Offensive Coordinator winning several city and region titles. 

Jerry's next move was to the University of the South, "Sewanee", as Recruiting Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. During his tenure there he produced 6 All-Conference linemen and helped win the College Athletic Conference Championship. He had one player to become a Rhodes Scholar. He also had one player to become the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns in the N.F.L. Jerry has said that he was a much smarter coach back then.

After the University of the South, Jerry's next move was to Middle Tennessee State University as Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Offensive Line Coach. While there , he helped the "Blue Raiders" to advance to the semi-finals of the NCAA Division 1 AA National Championship. At the end of the season M.T.S.U. was ranked 3rd nationally by both UP and AP polls. 

In his last move Jerry returned to Lee High School in Huntsville as the Offensive Line and Defensive Ends coach and has remained there the last 24 years. During his time at Lee High School he has produced 27 of his positioned coached players (offensive line and defensive ends) to sign college scholarships. Three of these players have become Head Football Coaches in the college ranks and 1 has become a college Athletic Director. Two were later drafted into the N.F.L. (Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers). 

Jerry next became the Offensive Coordinator, coaching the quarterbacks and running backs. He has had 4 quarterbacks and 5 running backs to sign college scholarships. One of his running backs became the All-time leading rusher in the history of Huntsville High School Football and was later drafted into the N.F.L. (Chicago Bears). 

Jerry has been named "Assistant Coach of the Year" several times by the Huntsville Quarterback Club, the Huntsville Times and Huntsville City Schools. 

Jerry has never been a head football coach and never wanted to be, although many offers have come his way. As he has told me countless times "give me the offense or the defense and leave me alone. Ya'll can handle the rest.

Cathy Rittmann Gilbert graduated from Jones Valley in 1968, Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Alabama (BA - Speech Pathology) in 1972, received her  MA (Audiology) from The University of Alabama in 1973 and currently holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association.  In 1971 Cathy Married Jones Valley Alumni Eddie Gilbert, class of 64. 

Cathy and Ed divide their time between homes in Katy and on Lake Livingston, where Cathy enjoys gardening with native plants, boating, bird watching, and local wildlife (except for armadillos and coyotes).

Ron Hilley, Jones Valley class of 1968, winning the Art trophy for 1968, and who, you might remember, was distinguished in the senior day class prophesy to be expected to be touring as backup singer for Tiny Tim, perhaps justly expected after hearing him sing that year for the Miss Jones Valley Pageant! Ron, after earning a BFA from the University of Alabama in painting, entered graduate school at Samford University for music, and left before finishing to go on a world tour with Grammy Award winning Gregg Smith Singers as featured soloist in the group touted as the World's Most Recorded Choir. Ron can be heard in the world premier recording of Ned Rorem's opera, "Hearing" on Premier Recordings. Of the many small roles Ron has done on and off Broadway, his two roles with a Broadway revival of "South Pacific" is probably the most memorable to the general (non-opera) public. He has been singing with New York City Opera for the last 20 years, is divorced and living with his son on Broadway in New York City.

Ron Casey graduated from Jones Valley in 1969.  He became the Editorial Page Editor for the Birmingham News, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1991 and was inducted into the University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Science Hall of Fame on October 13th, 2005.  Ron passed away on February 21, 2000 of a heart attack.

Click here to read Ron's Bio from his Pulitzer Prize induction.

Dennis Kizziah, graduated from Jones Valley in 1971.  He holds an associate degree in Applied Fire Science and a bachelor of science degree in Public Safety from Athens State University.  Dennis spent more than 20 years with the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service as a fire lieutenant, paramedic and HAZMAT specialist.  In 1996 Dennis joined FEMA.  Dennis has worked the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and pentagon;  the 2003 response to the Columbia disaster;  the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City along with 60 other disaster and emergency deployments with FEMA.  Dennis is currently  the West Area Branch Director for the Florida Long Term Recovery Office.

John Manning graduated from Jones Valley in 1973.  He went on to earn his M.D. and is currently the Program Director and Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Scott and White Hospital, The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center at Temple, Texas.

For More on John, click  here

Rica Lewis-Payton graduated from Jones Valley in 1977.  She earned her BA from Talladega College and her MS in Hospital and Health Administration from UAB in 1981.  She was appointed Executive Director of the Mississippi State Medicaid Program by the Governor Musgrove in 2000.  Managing a budget of over 3 billion dollars and providing healthcare services to over 700,000 Mississippians, she served in that position until 2004. 

Rica is currently COO for the South Central VA Health Care Network, also known as Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16.  VISN16 is the largest VISN within the Veterans Health Administration covering a vast area of 170,000 square miles providing health care to veterans in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and parts of Texas, Missouri, Alabama and Florida delivered through ten medical centers, 34 community based clinics, seven nursing homes, two domiciliaries, and nine veterans outreach centers.