(1938 – 2019) A lengthy career on the field as an official in college and the National Football League, and in the hallways as an educator and administrator endeared Nate Jones to the state’s sports community.

As a football player at Jefferson High, he helped the school win the city title in 1954 and reach the state semifinals in ‘55. He moved to Lewis & Clark College as a kicker and defensive back, and earned an education degree to become a teacher. His athletic career continued as an official for football and basketball in the early days of the Pacific-8, then into the NFL for 25 seasons, including three as a replay official.

In the Portland Public Schools, he served as a principal for 17 years at schools from Roosevelt to Washington, Monroe and Franklin.