Bill Jones, an associate athletics director at Ohio State, died Tuesday at the Ohio State Medical Center after a heart attack.

Jones, 48, was in his 14th year with the Department of Athletics.

He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and attended OSU, earning his bachelor’s degree in finance in 1986. In 1991, he received a master’s of sports administration from Ohio University.

Jones began working for the OSU Department of Athletics in 1998 as assistant director of premium seating. The next year Jones was moved to the director of premium seating. In 2006, Jones took over the ticket office management and was promoted to the assistant athletics director for ticketing the next year.

In 2009, he was named the OSU associate athletics director for external affairs.

OSU athletic director Gene Smith said Jones was a dear friend, a wonderful coworker and a great ambassador for OSU.

“His genuine enthusiasm, calm demeanor and lifelong love for the Buckeyes made him a valuable part of every project he touched,” Smith said in a press release. “Our family is in shock today. Our loss is a profound one. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Jones family in this time of sadness and loss.”

Zack Meisel, former editor-in-chief and sports editor at The Lantern, worked with Jones on several occasions during his time at OSU.

“He was a nice man, very helpful,” Meisel said. “I send my prayers out to his family.”

During the basketball game against Illinois on Tuesday night, Mike Tirico, broadcaster for ESPN, mentioned Jones’ death during the game. Tirico said Jones was a beloved figure in OSU athletics, and that his condolences go out to Buckeye Nation.

Jones did not always work for OSU athletics. Jones worked at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 1987-90 and was recognized as a top sales representative in the country. Jones also worked for the PGA Memorial Tournament from 1991-98 as director of operations and media. Jones also was the tournament director of an LPGA event in Pinehurst, N.C.

Jones is survived by his parents, Jim and Linda Jones, and his sister, Lynnae. Jim Jones was athletic director at OSU from 1987-94.

According to OSU officials, the service for Jones will be on Saturday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Upper Arlington at 11 a.m.

OSU athletic department officials did not respond to The Lantern‘s requests for comment Tuesday.