The University of Oregon Athletics community is mourning the loss of Terry Jonz, a beloved local radio personality and the voice of Oregon women’s basketball for nearly two decades. Jonz, who passed away on Feb. 20 after a year-long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leaves behind a legacy of passion and professionalism in sports broadcasting.

Born and raised in Eugene, Jonz was deeply rooted in the local community. He began his career in radio as a DJ and program director before joining the Oregon Sports Network in 1997. Over the years, he became an integral part of the network, serving as an engineer for UO men’s basketball broadcasts and later taking on the role of play-by-play voice for UO women’s basketball.

His dedication to the Oregon women’s basketball program was unwavering, and his impact on the team and its fans was immeasurable. Kelly Graves, the UO women’s basketball coach, expressed the collective grief felt by the entire Oregon women’s basketball family, emphasizing Jonz’s unparalleled passion for the program and the people involved in it.

Throughout his career, Jonz made significant contributions to UO athletics, with an estimated 1,500 broadcasts to his name in various roles. His voice became an indelible part of the Oregon women’s basketball team’s history, capturing memorable moments such as the Ducks’ victory over Mississippi State in 2019.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jonz was a devoted family man, leaving behind his wife, Stacy, and four daughters, as well as three grandchildren. His impact on the local sports community extended beyond his work with the Oregon Sports Network, as he also called high school games and state tournaments in football, basketball, and baseball.

As the University of Oregon Athletics community comes to terms with the loss of a cherished colleague and friend, plans for a celebration of Jonz’s life are underway, offering an opportunity to honor his enduring legacy in the world of sports broadcasting.