About Us
Continuing a lifelong
commitment to youth
Who We Are
Opportunity starts here.
JONMC was founded in 2018 in Diamondhead, Mississippi, to honor the life and legacy of PGA Professional and retired USMC veteran Jack O’Neill. Jack's commitment to discipline, integrity, mentorship, and service shaped every part of his life, and those same values now guide the work of the organization created in his name.
JONMC exists to open doors for young golfers across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding communities. Through tournaments, scholarships, and community partnerships, the charity works to remove financial barriers and create real opportunities for the next generation of players.
The organization continues to grow because families, golfers, local businesses, sponsors, and community partners believe in what Jack believed: that investing in youth golf builds character, confidence, and long-term impact far beyond the course.
Our Mission
JONMC exists to open doors for young golfers and help them grow both on the course and in life. Golf builds confidence, character, leadership, and perseverance. These qualities shape who young athletes become long after the final hole. JONMC supports that growth through scholarships, competitive opportunities, mentorship, and player development programs that make the sport more accessible.
Every tournament hosted, every sponsorship secured, and every dollar raised directly invests in the next generation of players. These efforts strengthen the future of junior golf across the Gulf Coast and carry forward the values that defined Jack O’Neill.
Jack's Story
Jack O’Neill's life was defined by service, discipline, and a love for the game of golf.
A retired United States Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 4, Jack served his country honorably for 38 years while also building a lifelong passion for golf that began when he started caddying as a young boy in Philadelphia.
After settling in Diamondhead, Mississippi, Jack became a respected golf instructor and mentor, dedicating countless hours to teaching players of all ages—especially junior golfers. In 2011, at the age of 71, he achieved PGA Class A Professional status, becoming the oldest person in PGA history to earn the distinction at the time.
More than his accomplishments, Jack is remembered for the values he shared through the game: integrity, honesty, discipline, and personal responsibility. Today, the Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity continues his legacy by creating opportunities for young golfers to learn, compete, and grow.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors helps guide the vision and direction of JONMC. This group brings together people who care deeply about the mission and work together to keep the organization moving forward. They look after key activities, review budgets, and make sure resources are used responsibly and with purpose.
Each member brings their own background, experience, and passion for supporting young golfers. They stay closely involved in shaping programs, planning for the future, and keeping JONMC grounded in the values that inspired its founding. Their leadership helps the organization grow while staying true to Jack O’Neill’s legacy.
Leslie O’Neill
Founding Director
John Price
President
Ron Layel
Vice President
Sandy Price
Secretary
LaDonna Brown
Treasurer
Bill Merna
Director
