The question has been asked more than once of Rob Jones by well-meaning but obviously history-challenged inquirers. Essentially, it is: Where were you when family patron Jim Jones led more than 900 of his cult followers in the infamous mass suicide by drinking cyanide-laced Flavor Aid at Jonestown, Guyana?
The answer Rob said he has given, with a touch of understandable incredulity, is: “He’s my grandfather. I’d have to be like 35 years old now to have been alive then.â€
Rob Jones is 18. The same age his father, Jim Jones Jr. – the first African-American child in the state of Indiana to be adopted by Caucasian parents – was on Nov. 18, 1978, when the tragic events occurred in the remote, jungle outpost built by Jim Jones Sr. and his People’s Temple church after leaving San Francisco.
Jim Jr., who was playing in a basketball tournament in Georgetown, Guyana, lost his first wife and unborn child that day. Rob is one of three sons from a second marriage and a new life. A 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward, Rob has come to USD to play basketball.
Great story. Seems like a smart kid. I kept thinking of the irony if he makes it to the NBA and has to turn down a Kool-Aid endorsement!
Hey you laughed, that makes you just as guilty!