Jesse Owens timeline

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens is born

The tenth child of Henry and Emma Alexander Owens was named James Cleveland when he was born in Danville, Alabama on September 12, 1913. "J.C.", as... Read more

Jesse Owens ties world record at National High School Championship

Owens had taken different jobs in his spare time: He delivered groceries, loaded freight cars and worked in a shoe repair shop. During this period... Read more

Jesse Owens marries Minnie Ruth Solomon

Owens and Minnie Ruth Solomon met at Fairmount Junior High School in Cleveland when he was 15 years old and she was 13 years old. They dated... Read more

Jesse Owens sets 3 world records in 45 minutes at Ohio State

Owens attended The Ohio State University only after employment was found for his father, ensuring the family could be supported. Affectionately... Read more

Jesse Owens wins 4 gold medals at 1936 Summer Olympics

In 1936, Owens arrived in Berlin to compete for the United States in the Summer Olympics. Adolf Hitler was using the games to show the world a... Read more

Jesse Owens dies

After smoking for 35 years, Owens died of lung cancer at age 66 in Tucson, Arizona in 1980. He is buried in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago. A few... Read more