John Paul Seckinger

Seckinger, John Paul

Of Howell (formerly Jackson), aged 83, passed away on June 20th, 2023, at home in the care of his family.

John is survived by his wife, Joan, of 57 years; daughters, Pam (Jeff) Gregory of Jerome, MI, and Kim (Adam) Bancroft of Holland, MI; sons, Kevin (Kim) of Orlando, FL, and Kent (Tonya) of Howell, MI; sister-in-law Donna Seckinger, of La Quinta, CA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great fur babies. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette and Grace Seckinger, stepfather, John Gaebelein, and brother, Phillip.

John graduated from Jackson High School in 1957. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he played football before graduating from North Central College (Naperville, IL) in 1963.

He began his career as a teacher and coach at Napoleon High School. He enjoyed many years in the classroom and on the field, court and mats at Grass Lake, Brighton, Williamston, Eastern Michigan University and Ann Arbor Pioneer, totaling 23 years of coaching. In 1968, he led the Grass Lake Football team to an undefeated season. In 1987, he was a member of the coaching staff for the Class A State Football Champions at Ann Arbor Pioneer. In 1972 and 1974 he was voted as the Jackson Area Football Coach of the Year and in 1989, he coached in the Ninth Annual East-West All Star Football game. His many accomplishments both on and off the field were recognized in 1993 with his induction into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. John served the rest of his career as an administrator at Mt. Morris and Hillsdale High School, retiring in 1998, and wearing his favorite colors of maize and blue.

John was always in your corner and wanted and expected nothing but the best for the many lives that he touched. Many of his players continue to affectionately call him "Coach."

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 28th from 10:00am to noon with funeral services immediately following, followed by a luncheon at Grass Lake United Methodist Church (449 E Michigan Ave, Grass Lake, MI) with Reverend John White officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Grass Lake Warrior Athletic Club, Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, or CaringBridge.org.