John T.L. Jones Jr., a TTA lifetime member who made big contributions to both the American Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred industries, passed away November 16 at his home in Quanah, Texas, at age 84.
Jones began in the 1960s with Quarter Horses working as a manager and trainer for Walter Merrick, who bred and owned the great Easy Jet, and in 1976 Jones founded Walmac International in Kentucky. The farm stood many notable stallions over the years, including Nureyev, Alleged, Miswaki and Successful Appeal.
Among his many accomplishments in the industry, Jones is credited by John Gaines as being instrumental in the creation of the Breeders’ Cup.
Jones, a member of the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame, received the 1993 T. I. “Pops” Harkins Award for Lifetime Achievement from the TTA.