John T. "Jack" Geddes

Boardman - John T. "Jack" Geddes, 91, of Boardman, died Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at his home. He was born September 28, 1930 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil a son of Grant and Marian (Tapley) Geddes. After spending the first fifteen years of his life there, he came to the United States to live with his grandparents in Poland, Ohio.

Jack went on to graduate from Poland Seminary High School where he played football and ran track, placing third in the state finals in the long jump his senior year. After graduation, he went to work for the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, Cold Metal Products, and Hutch Manufacturing while studying electrical engineering at Youngstown State University. Jack later entered the foreman training program at Republic Steel where he was eventually promoted to foreman.

In 1966, after changing his college major to education, Jack decided on a career change. He resigned from Republic Steel and took a teaching position at Western Reserve Schools where he taught math and coached football and track. In 1969 he graduated from Akron State University and became the head football coach at Western Reserve High School. In 1971, he became the head football coach at Lowellville High School and also taught math. Furthering his education, he earned his Master's Degree in counseling from Westminster College in 1972. In 1977, Jack was hired as the head football coach in Struthers and was assigned as OWA teacher, a state funded program to help troubled students. He retired from James Garfield School as a coach in 1983 and as a teacher in 1990.

Besides his wife, the former Virginia Fedor, whom he married in 1978, he leaves his brother-in-law, Jerome (Joan) Fedor of Struthers; a sister-in-law, Evelyn (Steve) Olenick of Albany, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward T. Geddes.

Private services were held for John at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. He was laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

Jack's family would like to express their sincere thanks to the team from Comfort Keeper's as well as the entire team of Ohio Living Hospice for the compassionate care he received at his home.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.