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It’s a sad fact that Colonel <em>Lawrence McC. “Biff” Jones</em> died in his sleep early in the morning of 12 February 1980. It is a happy fact that he had a long and fruitful life which was full of accomplishment and full of loving family and friends. And it’s another fact that those left grieve and mourn him, but are glad they had the chance to know him.</p>
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The bare bones of the record give an idea of how wide Biff ranged in his not quite eighty-five years. He was born 8 October 1895 in the heart of Washington, DC, the eldest of his parents’ five children who survived infancy, and spent his early years on First Street in the capital city of the land he loved and served. When he graduated from Central High School in 1913, the first indications of the twin careers he was to follow were apparent. He was Captain of Company “B” in the Washington High School Cadets and starting guard on the football team, the city champions of that year.</p>
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He entered West Point in 1914. Two of his brothers and his son were to follow him. In the words of his <em>HOWITZER </em>biography, “The Class of 1918 was not yet twenty-four hours old when Biff determined that he intended to excel.” Excel he did. He wore stars; he was a cadet captain; and he again gave abundant evidence of the gift that was to shape his future. Biff was a crashing tackle on the Army “A” Squad the three seasons of his abbreviated stay at the Military Academy and was named captain of the team for the season of 1917.</div>
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War called his Class early from the Point. Instead of June 1918, they graduated the end of August 1917. Biff went into the Field Artillery (as his son did later in another war) and shipped out for France in early 1918. There he flew over the lines as an artillery observer adjusting fire of our cannon, That war over, he returned to the United States and became assistant coach of football at West Point. In 1926 be became head coach, a position be held through the season of 1929. By that year he was known throughout the country, and a powerful Senator—known to his friends as the Kingfish—arranged that Captain Biff Jones would we assigned as Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics to Louisiana State University with the additional duties as football coach. Biff’s stay at LSU was cut short in 1934 because his integrity and commitment to his players would not accept the Kingfish’s interference (of this more later). The University of Oklahoma was eagerly waiting, and during the next two years Biff reinforced their claim to national prominence. In 1937, he faced a Rubicon. He was a new major; he’d been nominated to the Command and General Staff College; but the University of Nebraska wanted him badly. Biff consulted not only with his family (he’d married the lovely, elfin, Elizabeth Trueman King in 1921, and had a daughter and a son), but also General Douglas MacArthur, then Chief of Staff, and made his decision. He retired from the Army and went to Lincoln. Four seasons later he took a Nebraska team to the Rose Bowl. In later years, his election to the Louisiana and Nebraska Football Halls of Fame and the National College Football Hall oF Fame stand as testimony of his impact.</div>
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War came back in 1941, and so did Biff. He applied immediately after Pearl Harbor for return to active duty. The War Department ordered him once more to West Point, this time as Graduate Manager of Athletics. In that slot he was a principal architect in building the golden years of USMA’s dominance of collegiate sports. A dominance that did not merely result in favorable scores, but which produced admirable men and fine officers. Biff always gave his highest priority to nurturing people. His duty was to the American youth that circumstances put in his care—this he never forgot, this he carried out exceptionally well,</div>
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And the young men who came under his influence recognized Biff’s dedication. There are quite a few men born in the late thirties and early forties who are named Lawrence as testimony of their father’s admiration for Biff. He knew this and nothing gave him more satisfaction.</div>
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Three final notes. Each casts a light on who Biff was and what he meant to his people.</div>
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The business of why he left LSU. The Senator’s interest in having a winning team at LSU had initially been helpful; it became difficult. Eventually, in a game with Oregon State, LSU was behind at half-time. The Kingfish wanted to address the team in the locker room in order to inspire them. He had tried that stunt before, but Biff did not want a politician harassing his players. As on previous occasions, he told the Senator no. The Senator then trumpeted, “If you lose this game, you’re fired.” Biff eyed him coldly and stated, “Win, lose or draw, I’m going to resign at the end of this game,” and closed the door in the face of the Kingfish and his retinue. For the only time in his coaching career, Biff went to his team and said he personally would appreciate it if they made a special effort that day. Of course, they won. Biff had asked them to.</div>
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In the light of present day college football recruiting, this next may seem impossible. The truth is every man on the Nebraska team Biff took to the Rose Bowl was a native of Nebraska. He had found them, formed them, and brought them to a peak, all within the not overly populated area he considered his proper preserve. He was deeply proud of them and they named their sons after him.</div>
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Lastly, no better summation of Biff’s character and life could be offered than in the words of one of his old players who had come from far to attend the funeral: “Biff was the toughest, finest gentleman I ever knew.”</div>