Jerome "Jerry" Bartow

He is survived by his children Teresa Kelly, Brenda Bartow, Karin Bartow McCurdy, and Brian Bartow, along with his daughter-in-law Patie Bartow, son-in-law Bob McCurdy and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born on February 22, 1934, in Otis, Oregon, Jerry was the son of Benjamin Bartow and Lottie Smith. Of Wiyot Native American heritage, his early years were shaped by both adversity and opportunity. He was adopted by Carl Mays, the legendary Major League Baseball pitcher, who not only gave him a home but also instilled in him a sense of purpose and direction through the game of baseball.

Jerry’s love for baseball led him to Washington State University (WSU), where he pitched for the Cougars during the 1956 College World Series. In 1958, he pitched for the Drain Black Sox, winning the National Baseball Congress Championship. It was also at WSU where Jerry met Betty Jean, the woman who would become his wife.

After relocating to San Diego, California, Jerry began his coaching career at Hoover High School, where he spent 14 seasons building one of the region’s most respected baseball programs. Under his leadership, Hoover won three San Diego Section CIF championships (1967, 1969, 1975).

In 1976, Jerry became head coach at Southwestern College, where he spent nearly four decades. With 907 career wins, his 2009 team reached the state championship. However, Jerry believed that true success was not measured by trophies alone. Jerry has been recognized for his dedication by induction into the 2003 San Diego Hall of Champions, 2007 Southwestern College Hall of Fame, 2015 California Community College Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Rest in peace, Coach Bartow. Your legacy lives on in every player, every dugout, and every life you touched.

A funeral service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on September 29th, at Glen Abbey, The Little Chapel of Roses. Chaplain Jim Self will officiate the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Southwestern College Baseball at: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E358293&id=30

Condolences may be sent to Brian Bartow at: [email protected].

A special expression of gratitude goes to his daughter Karin Bartow McCurdy, who cared for him selflessly during his final years.