Jack Tosh Obituary

Decatur High School friend Blessings and Prayers Joyce Henry Brumaster! Remembering his Dear Sweet Mother Mary Tosh

So sorry for your loss. Was Jack as much of a giant of a man as I remember him? He awed me. All of you will be in my thoughts.

Bee, Steve, Lisa, Linda and families. Received a note from former classmate at DHS about your loss. Lot's of great memories of the first year in DeKalb. My parents always were fond of Jack and valued their friendship with you and your family. Please accept my condolences.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Tosh family. I played for coach Tosh on the DeKalb football team of fall of 1970. He was a great coach, leader and friend. Will always remember him.

Sorry for your loss. Mr.Tosh and I had a few good chats at DeKalb High in my days there.Most of wayward teenagers, Thanks Jack.

My condolences to the family, I'm very sorry for your loss. He was the backfield coach for my football teams in 1969 and 1970. Coach Tosh was an inspiration as a coach; fair,even-tempered, witty and always the gentlemen. I'll never forget hearing him tell one of his running backs "Son, your running like you want to fall down!" Great times, great man.

My condolences to the family. I had to "pleasure" of playing football and basketball for Coach Tosh in DeKalb. One of my fondest memories of high school was my sophomore year when he took DeKalb's team to East Aurora to win and then Champaign in the State Tournament. DeKalb in a state BASKETBALL tournament??

Played football for coach Tosh in DeKalb 1970-1971. He was a great guy; fun and fair. I'll never forget that voice barking out "suggestions."

Coach Tosh had a unique, magical blend of kindness and humor as his coaching style, and his players loved him....

What do you say about a man that was your favorite coach? He was the role model we all hope our children have. He taught, coached and directed with dignity. He sincerely cared about his athletes and students. Thank you Coach Tosh, you are our HERO.

Our family sent 6 children through York, all who had the pleasure and good fortune to know and interact with Jack. Even 35+ years later, he remembered all of us and was genuinely interested in our lives. Just an awesome man and he has left a great legacy to those of us who had the good fortune to have known him.
The Howarth Family

Brad & Joanne Parcell's tribute says it all! A wonderful family man and friend and who touched uncountable lives. What an honor and privilege to have known. What an example and inspiration to us all. What a shock! What a loss...

A legend in the State of Illinois. No one worked harder than Jack. I remember Jack welcoming every team to enter York for a contest. He made everyone feel welcome and he was the ultimate professional. I feel honored to have worked for Jack Tosh; he taught all of us a ton about life. A great man that has left a legacy of positive memories for many.

A credit to his profession and a friend
to all who knew him. I was priviledged
to play on teams he coached in football, basketball and baseball at ETHS in the 60's. He was one of the
kindest and most positive people I have
ever been associated with in sports and in life. Along with all of my teamates - I was blessed to have the opportunity to play for him, listen to him and be inspired by him. As he would say - "One of the all time greats". If only we had many many more like him to inspire young people
today.

Very sorry to hear about Jack. He was a true gentleman, and a very respected individual not only in the ahletic community, but in evry aspect of life.

John Graham, Former Coach & A.D, at Mundelein H.S.

I got to know Jack Tosh when I was a student-athlete at York HS in the late 70's and early 80's. Jack may not have always remembered my name but he always had a positive word for me. He would often refer to me as "son" and later in life when our paths would cross, he would call me "coach". It is a trait I still use today.

Requiescat in Pace. Old Chum. I remember some good times when we both played a little ball. Don't belive I beat you in any sport-well maybe basketball.

Jack was one of the greatest PE teachers and coaches that existed.
I believe he student taught at College Hill School because when I got to ETHS he was there. There are few teachers that leave a favorable and warm impression on students, Jack was one of them.
Sue Ann Keller Mandel and Larry Mandel, ETHS 66

Our hearts and prayers to the Tosh family !

Sandie King & Family

"The best job in America is teaching five classes and coaching two sports." One - of many - statements from Jack, a true class act. Thanks for all the guidance and friendship. Rest in peace.

My late husband Tony Portincaso taught with Jack at York and enjoyed his friendship. May he rest in peace.

One great guy and high school friend, rest easy my pal

One of the "good guys" by nature. Was a neighbor in Skokie in the 60's. Always greeted his students with a smile and kind word of encouragement. Blessings Jack -

I will always remeember Mr. Tosh from the days when he was a young teacher at Evanston High. He was a kind and professional teacher. As the years have passed I occasionally saw little pieces of information about him on the sports pages. My condolences to his family.

A remarkable and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, teacher/coach, mentor & friend. It truly was a gift to be around Jack. You always felt better with each interaction. He was always focused on others and in doing the right thing. His energy, his enthusiasm, advice and candor are traits to model. We will truly miss you Jack and we are blessed to have known you and to have included you and Bee as part of our family. May God bless you and continue to bless the Tosh family.