I remember the day that Coach Steve Kunkell and I were talking between classes at good ol’ Forney High, and I brought up something about Jamie Fox and that he had done something nice for his hometown of nearby Terrell, Texas.
Kunkel said, “Hey, Themer, I taught and coached him when I was on the faculty at Terrell High School several many years ago. You should have seen him in the ‘thigh high shorts’ that were used for basketball back then. Eric was his name in those days, and he was a good athlete and a nice guy!”
I said, “Man, I would like to see a photo of that. Do you have an old yearbook with one in it?”
His answer was, “No, but you can go to Brookshire’s in Terrell, where they have a ‘blown up’ picture of him and the basketball team on display, hanging on the wall.”
I went, and it was there! I stood there a little while amazed, because he is one of my favorites on television and in movies! I don’t know if it is still on the wall there today. You can ask!
Not only because of his “star” appeal but also because of his philanthropic generosity, I have admired him for quite some time. In the past, he has sponsored various events back in his hometown of Terrell and has given back to the town that helped him to get his start. He has sponsored various sporting events, including the Special Olympics, and has made donations which not all folks realized.
Most recently, Mr. Foxx was responsible for the renovations of basketball courts at Breezy Hill Park (a “dream-come-true” in the words of Leonard Lancaster, President of the Breezy Hill Park Association) and worked with Mayor Rick Carmona to see that all that was needed came to pass, including making sure that upkeep would not be a problem.
The updated park is south of Southwestern Christian College, and the court is red-colored and has “JAMIE FOXX” written at center court—and nearby are the words, “Foxx Hole: Believe and Achieve.” Also, near the sideline are the words: “Terrell Fighting Tigers” and “Gilbert Willie Charities.”
According to what I have read, the project cost around $200,000.00 and was mostly taken care of by Mr. Foxx (and the Gilbert Willie Charities), as “code work,” materials, labor, etc. all came together for a wonderful finished project.
Note: Actor Jamie Foxx and Gilbert Willie, Jr. go way back and regard each other as best friends, according to a posting on the web.
Note: Teacher, principal, coach, Assistant Superintendent, Gilbert Willie, Sr., Father of the Gilbert Willie who worked with Jamie Foxx, was a part of Terrell I. S. D. for more than 30 years. Reportedly, the younger Willie has been to visit Foxx in California during his recent illness and seemed to believe that his friend is in better shape than some believed and is continuing to recover.
Also, good to hear, are some words from Mr. Foxx’s daughter already back in May: “Dad was playing pickleball yesterday. Thanks for everyone’s prayers and support.”
According to their web site, BREEZY HILL PARK has a mission to “promote the well-being of individual and family social ties and revitalizing the utilization of family-centered activities.” The organization had its beginning in May of 2017 and lists the following as some of their activities: Quarterly Community Clean-Up, Top of the Hill Community Garden, Annual Juneteenth Celebration, and Thanksgiving at the Park.
I do want to close with the reminder that the E! Terrell performances that my wife and I attend regularly and strongly support are held in the Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center of Terrell High School. We hope to see you there!
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