In 1924, Kathy Smith was dying of a relatively new disease called polio. Next to her on her deathbed was James Jones, her childhood sweetheart. Broken over what was happening, James promised Kathy he would help find a cure for the disease. This promise and her death changed the course of his life and many who would be diagnosed with the illness.
In 1938, following the polio diagnosis of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the March of Dimes foundation was created to find a cure for the disease. James was thrilled about the opportunity, because he now had a way to fulfill his promise to Kathy. He immediately took time off his job at the Atlantic Coastline railroad to raise money for the March of Dimes foundation. It is said the only vacation time he ever took from his job was to continue to raise funds for the cause. With an old pickle jar and his bicycle, James rode up and down the streets of Florence, SC, on a mission to fulfill that promise by raising money. It was not an instantaneous result, however. It took him thirty years, but he was able to raise $200,000 for the March of Dimes foundation. The impact he made was tremendous, so much so that Franklin D. Roosevelt himself visited him to thank him for his contributions (pictured below). FDR was so inspired by James that James was invited to lay a flower on his grave following the death of FDR in 1945. Not only was he able to fulfill his promise to his childhood sweetheart, but he was able to make a global impact using only a pickle jar, a bicycle and a will.
Iconicism is to be renowned for a positive contribution to society. James Jones most certainly fits this description. Through his drive and ambition to fulfill his promise to Kathy, he has helped change the lives of millions of people. Now that there is a polio vaccine, the March of Dimes foundation focuses on the health of moms and babies, attempting to counter maternal health risks and deaths. It was an honor for me to write this article to my late great-grandfather James “March of Dimes” Jones. Even though we never met, I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice and impact he made on society. He is certainly iconic.
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