Then as Kennedy grew up and married, she went on to raise her four children and she cared for her mother-in-law and two of her brother-in-laws, James Robert "Radio" Kennedy and George Allen "Cool Rock" Kennedy. Hanna High Principal Sheila Hilton wrote a few years ago, At that time, he was a teenager, with a transistor radio seemingly attached to his ear, who could barely speak and had never learned to read or write. ", "She was just a good Christian woman," Jones said. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. James 'Radio' Kennedy funeral: 'Radio taught us to love' UNNOTICE AMID DIABETE KIDNEY FAILURE AND PANCREATITIS STILL SIGNING DOZENS OF AUTOGRAPHS SPENDING HIS FINAL HOURS SATURDAY IN HOSPICE. 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. If you would like to contribute, you can mail a check to:RadioC/O Commercial BankP.O. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "Radio was the heart and soul of T.L. Here's how. The Anderson community is reflecting on James "Radio" Kennedy's impact just hours after his death.The local icon died early Sunday morning at the age of 73. >> HES TAUGHT US JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE MAY BE DIFFERENT THAT THEY STILL HAVE GIFTS FOR BRAD HAMMOND RADIO WAS MORE THAN A BEST FRIEND HE WAS AN INSPIRATION. Hanna teacher Vinnie Dill after he arrived at a screening of the movie "Radio," based on his life, on October 23, 2003, in Anderson, South Carolina. >> RADIO WAS T.L. He was still having fun.". McDougald Funeral Home in Anderson announced Kennedy passed away surrounded by family on Sunday. "He just has so much love to give. "He was just a fine man. She helped care for her aunt, who was blind, when she was just a child. Kennedy first showed up on the field as a teenager in the 1960s. HE IS TLM. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Box 127Honea Path, SC 29654The story of Radios friendship with Jones was the subject of the film Radio in 2003. "Grandma asked Mama if she would take care of Radio and Cool Rock and again, Mama did not hesitate," Jacqueline said. ", 'Love and compassion can change lives': Memories of James Kennedy, an inspiration and a celebrity. Former T.L. Hanna coach raises money to buy a grave marker for Radio - WYFF 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. 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 Highfrom 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. I will love and miss him always.". Who was Karl Lagerfeld? He taught us all. The soundtrack to Radio was released on October 21, 2003. Each year, he shared his birthday with the community at the Anderson Chick-fil-A. South Carolina Man Who Inspired Movie 'Radio' Dead at 73 "Radio touched so many people," Jones said. 'Radio' Cast: Where Are They Now? - Sports Until recently, the pair had kept up a regular schedule of volunteer work. The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. Fans can currently see Harris on the HBO series Westworld. Great Jones Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying? What happened to radio after his mom died? How old is Harold Jones? Who is coach Harold Jones in chasing thefrog? . "Pat actually became just like their mother. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Hanna legend Radio died, and his grave still does not have a marker. The following day, Radio distributes the gifts around town. James Kennedy, Who Inspired the Movie 'Radio,' Dies at 72 He punishes the team for their actions. He saw firsthand Radio's positivity and impact. ANDERSON, S.C. It's been nearly a year since T.L. "Hilton added: "It was destiny that he arrived on that football field some fifty years ago. Hanna legend Radio died, and his grave still does not have a marker. "His story is amazing," Dawkins said. 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. HE INSPIRED MY LIFE. The entryway at T.L. Radio/Awards. - June 11, 2020 03:23 pm EDT. Kennedy was consistently himself. Along with his brother T.A.D. 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. "The other 80%that people who never met him didn't see, they'd have loved that, too," Allen said. Harry Belafonte, activist and entertainer with a 'rebel heart,' dies at The film ends with clips being shown of the real-life Radio and Coach Jones leading the football team. Coach Harold Jones is a retired South Carolina high school football coach best known for embracing a developmentally challenged African American boy named James Robert "Radio" Kennedy back in 1964. He said Radio was treated for pancreatitis, along with ongoing diabetes and kidney issues. AND IM NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT HANNAH BUT ALL OVER THE I TELL YOU ALL OVER THE WORLD HIS POPULARITY NOT JUST ON THE GRIDIRON RADIO WAS GOOD LUCK. "So many people loved him," said Kennedy's niece and caregiver, Jackie Kennedy. ", Hilton added: "It was destiny that he arrived on that football field some fifty years ago. The two spent much of their time together for half a century. "Generations of Hanna students and faculty had an opportunity to know Radio," Hilton wrote. "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 was nicknamed Radio by the coaches and players. 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. He and Jones used to ring Salvation Army bells for Christmas, and Kennedy raised money regularly outside of Sam's Club. "He just showed up at practice, but he wouldn't come close, and we couldn't understand a word he said. Hanna coach raises money to buy a grave marker for Radio, EXPECTED TO VOTE COMING. He kept coming back," said former T.L. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY A YEAR YEAR SINCE TL HANNA LEGEND RADIO DIED. "The community, they just love Radio," Coach Jonestold WSPAin 2016, during Kennedy's 70th birthday celebration. Most fans know her as Dr. April Kepner on Grey's Anatomy, and she was on the show from 2009-2018. "In my travels, both across the country and even sometimes when I get a chance to travel internationally, I meet people who are not from this country," said Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts. She didn't give it a second thought. 2, Debuts Baby Bump at Met Gala, Vanessa Bryant Celebrates Late Daughter Gianna's 17th Birthday, Premier League: Case Dropped Against Player Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges, WWE's Carmella and Corey Graves Announce Pregnancy on 'GMA', 'Big George Foreman' Star Sonja Sohn on Playing 'Critical' Role in Boxing Film (Exclusive), Wrestler Suffers Broken Collarbone, Will Be Out of Action for Months, Watch: Tito Ortiz Passes out During Fighter Pilot Training. Burdette said keeping Kennedys legacy will be important but challenging. Now Jones is continuing their charitable work with the Outdoor Dream Foundation, an Anderson group that provides outdoor wishes to kids facing challenges. Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. We will miss him incredibly," football coach Harold Jones told TMZ. There might be no better description of the man with the big, always-ready smile. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The local icon died early Sunday morning at the age of 73. During one such session, the football falls out of bounds, allowing Radio to collect it and haul it away in his cart. It's been nearly a year since T.L. [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. He formed a bond with his community that reached far beyond Anderson. Click here to read the full article Hilton wrote about Radio. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. "She would talk about making it to heaven to see God.". "Family was so important to her," said another daughter, Jacqueline Kennedy. Hanna High School, Radio, Coach Jones ring bell for Salvation Army in Anderson, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A funeral for him will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center of Anderson. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He got his nickname "Radio" because he always carried a transistor radio, said Carolyn Dawkins. HANNA HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF A LOCAL LEGEND. Hollywood writers go on strike over fair pay in streaming era, Missing teens likely among 7 people found dead in Oklahoma, authorities say, Fish contaminated with "forever chemicals" found in nearly every state, Gordon Lightfoot, "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" singer, dies at 84, CBS News Poll: How GOP primary race could be Trump v. Trump fatigue, Oklahoma governor signs gender-affirming care ban for kids, American climber dies on Mount Everest, expedition organizer says, Bob Lee died from three stab wounds, medical examiner says, At least 6 dead after dust storm causes massive pile-up on Illinois highway, James "Radio" Kennedy, inspiration behind 2003 film, dead at 73. Great Jones Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying? The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. She worked in the Belk department store annex in the early 1970s, when Kennedy would come by several times a week to talk high school sports with the store manager, Glenn New, who had kids in school. Woman who raised Radio Kennedy dies Kennedy didn't talk muchunless you got him going about local sports, but his smile was infectious and he was always a kind man, Dawkins said. Hanna football coach Harold Jones told The Anderson Independent Mail. Their efforts that day as hundreds stopped for photos with "Radio" and then donated to the kettle helped sustain the Salvation Army's work for weeks. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy passes away, family confirms. "He just has so much love to give. "Click here to read the full article Hilton wrote about Radio.In 1964, former T.L. In the 1970s, James Robert "Radio" Kennedy, a 23-year-old mentally disabled man, lives alone with his mother who, as a nurse, spends much of the day at work. 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. And we are better people for having known him.". HE INSPIRED MY HEART. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [3] The film holds a score of 38 out of 100 on Metacritic. While coaches came and went, Kennedy was a constant. Kennedy died on Dec. 15, 2019, of complications related to diabetes and kidney issues, Jones said. Advertisement He had been. Mary Ann Kennedy, or Pat as most knew her, was a caretaker all her life. Coach Jones returns Radio to his home, where he meets Radios mother. By 1999, Jones was set to retire and Radio was still running strong with the team. Andeven facing health problems, Kennedy led the Hanna football team onto the field at least twice this season byriding in a golf cart. The association between Radio and Coach Jones is further blamed for the team's inability to win. 'He always will be T.L. Hanna': Coach Jones remembers James - WYFF He could rattle off nearly any high school mascot in the state,and he was a fixture at school events, especially at Hanna but also throughout the Upstate and well beyond sports. 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. That setup the rest of Kennedy's life, and it shows just how effective Kennedy was in changing hearts and minds, Jones said. Hanna High School football games for more than 50 years. James 'Radio' Kennedy Dies: T.L. Hanna High School Legend Was 73 ", and say "We gonna win tonight!". Hanna principal Sheila Hilton wrote about the local legend when news of his death broke. >> I GOT TEARS IN MY EYES TH DAY THAT HE DIED BECAUSE HE WAS THE GREATEST FRIEND I EVER HAD HE INSPIRED ME A LOT HE INSPIRED -- INSPIRED ME A LOT. We all loved him. One coach, Harold Jones, took him under his wing, and their relationship served as the inspiration behind the 2003 film, "Radio." "How someone like Radio at that time he was challenged, and he touched a lot of people's lives. Radio - James Robert Kennedy - Reel Faces at ChasingtheFrog The2003 film "Radio," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role, focuses on Kennedy's relationship withJones, portrayed by Ed Harris. Ask the person with a disability if assistance is needed; do not assume that help is needed until you ask. "As far as I'm concerned, he's probably the most-known person in South Carolina," Jones said. 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. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. Kennedy was a sports fan with few peers. Is coach Harold Jones from Radio still alive? - TeachersCollegesj "Radio, the way I see it, is T.L. It launched him and the city of Anderson into the spotlight. 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. SOMETIME IN DECEMBER. T.L. Hanna football coach Harold Jones befriended Radio. Hanna football coach, played by Ed Harris, was inspired by a 1996 Sports Illustrated article, Someone to Lean On , by Gary Smith. Kennedy also appeared regularly for other sports teams and at other school events, even at schools besidesHanna. He'd been a fixture on the sidelines of T.L. 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. 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. "And the story is simple: love and compassion can change lives. Howard Jones | American football coach | Britannica Amid diabetes, kidney failure and pancreatitis, he still signed dozens of autographs from his hospital room. We will miss him incredibly." The 2003 film "Radio," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role, focused on Kennedy's relationship with Jones, portrayed by Ed Harris. 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.". Upon the end of the football season, Jones involves Radio with several activities within the high school, and winds up neglecting his daughter Mary Helen, who is a member of the high school's cheerleading squad. In the film, Kennedy was played by Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jones was played by Ed Harris. "He just showed up at practice, but he wouldn't come close, and we couldn't understand a word he said. 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. Merkerson is known more for her TV roles as she was on Law & Order from 1993-2010. You can send your sympathy in the . Coach Harold Jones Biography | Booking Info for Speaking Engagements Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. In 2019, Drew starred in the film Twinkle All The Way. "He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. And the story is simple: love and compassion can change lives. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Radio: SC Locations Because of remodeling at the real-life location for much of the story, T.L. It's very sad for us," former T.L. He saw firsthand Radio's positivity and impact. However, the other officers recognize Radio and he is released. The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. By 1999, Jones was set to retire and Radio was still running strong with the team. Kennedy said Radio, 73, was taken to Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson County on Saturday afternoon. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The Anderson community is reflecting on James "Radio" Kennedy's impact just hours after his death. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Hanna football became his life's legacy. CHEERLEADER A GREATEST I TELL YOU WHAT HE LOVED. Radio spends much of his day roaming the town and pushing a shopping cart, which he uses to collect anything interesting he finds. Following the death of Radio's mother, pressure from the school board to have Radio put in a specialized institution strengthens. "You tell them you're from Anderson, South Carolina, this little lightbulb pops up, and they say: 'That's where Radio's from, right? Hanna legend Radio died, and his grave still does not have a marker. 'He always will be T.L. Can we communicate through the other respondent has disability? 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. Now those family members are left to remember what they loved most about her. Box 127Honea Path, SC 29654The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. Harold Jones Obituary (1937 - 2022) | Dowagiac, Michigan - Echovita 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. "Radio, the way I see it, is T.L. First published on December 16, 2019 / 3:03 PM. 'He always will be T.L. "She would always say she loved us kids so much that she'd love to buy a big house so we could all move back in. Jones reflected recently with. In 1996, a writer for Sports Illustrated named Gary Smith penned an article about Jones's friendship with Radio. His last TV appearance was in 2019, making appearances in three episodes in Unbelievable. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hanna," said Jones. [4] The film successfully grossed $52.3 million with a budget of approximately $30 million. "That helped at a lot of schools. Most fans know her as Dr. April Kepner on Grey's Anatomy, and she was on the show from 2009-2018. His message of acceptancehas reached around the world, said Harold Jones, who was the football coach at T.L. But he was not. McDougald Funeral Home announced late Sunday thatKennedy's body will lie in state at T.L. Radio (2003 film) - Wikipedia NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion PictureCamie Award for Theatrical Releases At 69 years old, Harris shows no signs of slowing down, starting in Top Gun: Maverick, which will be released later this year. What did coach Jones do to comfort Radio? He was 73. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? Is coach Harold Jones from Radio still alive? Even though she was working, she took care of those two.". Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He was known to ask students before football games, "We gonna get that quarterback? 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. ", 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. AND HIS GRAVE STILL DOESNT HAVE A MARKER COACH HAROLD JONES AND THE TL HANNA FAMILY WANT TO FIX THAT AND THEYVE SELECTED A GRAVE MARKER. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The Sports Whisperer, Probing Psychic Wounds", "James Kennedy, Who Inspired the Movie 'Radio,' Dies at 73", "Radio Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More", "Radio Movie True Story - Real James Robert Kennedy, Coach Harold Jones", "The Official Web Site of Radio and Coach Jones", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Radio_(2003_film)&oldid=1149557588, This page was last edited on 13 April 2023, at 00:05. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. VIDEO: Radio inducted into the 2016 TL Hanna High Athletic Hall of Fame, James Robert "Radio" inducted into the 2016 TL Hanna High Athletic Hall of Fame, Was always a junior (the highest grade he can be without having to graduate), Got the nickname "Radio" because he was always seen carrying a transistor radio, Lived with hisniece Jackie andhis younger brother "Cool Rock," George Allan Kennedy, Loved to go to Friday night home football games and home basketball games, Bowled on Tuesdays with the Rainbow Gang. A year since James "Radio" Kennedy died, a look back at his legacy AND S ONCE I WAS A PLAYING JV BASKETBALL AT HANNAH AND WE WERE GOING TO EASILY FOR A BASKETBALL GAME AND COACH FLOYD GOT ON TH BUS AND HE SAID WHERE IS RADIO? NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Chris Kennedy said it was his mother whom he could talk to when he'd had a bad day. But soon, Kennedy became a fixture in the school community. She was in three movies last year including Clemency and will star in the film Fatherhood in 2021. Coach Jones is a leader, seasoned educator and sports coach at Hanna High. "He was just a fine, fine man," former T.L. Hanna High Principal Sheila Hilton wrote a few years ago, At that time, he was a teenager, with a transistor radio seemingly attached to his ear, who could barely speak and had never learned to read or write. O. His successors have taken good care of Radio and considered him an integral part of the team. He could barely speak and never learned how to read or write, according to WSPA. That same evening, Jones reveals to Mary Helen that his attachment to Radio and need to assist him stems from a childhood incident in which Jones, as a child making a living off delivering newspapers, did not help a mentally disabled boy his own age crying behind barbed wire. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. RADIO TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE. The football stadium would bear his statue after the 2003 blockbuster hit film named for him. Over time, and with his nickname-inspiringtransistor radio,Kennedy became a crucial part of the football team, the schooland the most recognized member of the community. AND NOBODY HAD SEEN RADIO AND HE WOULD NOT LEAVE UNTIL SOMEBODY GOT IN THEIR CAR WHEN FOUND RADIO AND BROUGHT HIM BACK TO GET ON THE BUS TO GO TO EASILY INCLUDED EVE YEAR IN THE SCHOOL YEARBOOK AS A HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR THIS STATUE MADE IN HIS HONOR AT HANNAH STADIUM AFTER THE 200 FILM WITH HIS NAME.