Timothy James (T.J.) O'Neill, M.D.

YHS Class of 1948

"He was the best running back on earth--high school or college. I was a little kid in Cameron. T.J. O'Neill was my hero." This is how a retired university research scientist described T.J. over 50 years later. "I even remember his number---54." T.J. would go on to become a distinguished radiologist, but first he was 220-yard dash Texas State Champion, after holding the divisional 220 state record two years. He lettered in football 4 years playing running back and play caller and was backfield captain of the Yoeman starting team three years. His teams won 2 bi-district championships 1946-47. He lettered 3 years in YHS track, 3 years in basketball, and 2 years in baseball. T many of his fellow high school students, T.J. had an aura, for not only was he a championship athlete but also a fine-looking, admirable, humble boy who made top grades and whose character shined like a beacon. He was class president both his freshman and senior years in high school. He completed Pre-Med II at UT-Austin in 3 years and earned his M.D. degree at UT Medical School-Galveston in 4 more. After interning at Kings Hospital in New York City he served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon 32 months then returned to Texas to practice medicine in Beaumont and Austin until retiring in 1992. He and his wife raised five children. He lives his life as a faithful Catholic Christian.