Richard Stewart Janse

Dick graduated from The Kinkaid School. He attended the University of Texas and graduated from The University of Houston. He began his coaching career at Kinkaid, then Holy Ghost Parochial School, before moving on to Marian High School, Strake Jesuit College Prep and finally opening Sharpstown High School.

Coach achieved many accomplishments in his illustrious career. He coached the Karl Young Pony League to a World Series Championship in 1962. He had an overall career baseball record of 674-229, had five teams ranked in the Top Ten Nationally, won two state championships – 1977 & 1982, State Semifinalist – 1976, Regional Finalist - 1983 & 1986, National Coach of the Year – 1977, Texas High School Hall of Fame – 1991, Texas High School Baseball Coach of the Decades – 1980’s, Texas High School Coach of the Year – 1977 & 1982, Coach of the South All Stars in Texas High School All Star Baseball Game – 1977, and Inducted into the Strake Jesuit Hall of Honor – 2011

Coach touched so many young men and women throughout his career. He taught them how to run the race, shoot the basket, toss a pass, throw a curveball, and hit a fastball. He taught them how to win and lose gracefully. He prepared his students both physically and mentally for the years to come.

Dick was also a charter member of the Texas High School Baseball Association, one of the original directors of the Ewell Jackson Memorial Baseball Tournament, Chairman of the Baseball Advisory to Texas High School Coaches Association, Region V Director of Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association and Director of Delmar Stadium.

Dick was so much more than just a great coach. He was wonderful and loving husband and father. He met his wife Joyce while mowing the football field at Holy Ghost School, and it was love at first sight. They were side by side, supporting each other, through their life’s journey together. When not on the field he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, working in the yard, traveling and spending time at the lake.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Dixon Janse, and their children; David Janse and his wife Genevieve, Kevin Janse and his wife Robin, Susan Janse Boyd and her husband Kevin, Leigh Ann Janse Welch and her husband Larry along with grandchildren, Katie Janse Torres and her husband Roy, Jake Janse, Parker Janse, Payton Janse and Jared Boyd, brothers Hector Janse and his wife Helen, Jim Janse and his wife Anne, brother in law Neal Dixon and his wife Joanne, sister in law Brenda Schields and her husband Robert, and brother in law Harry Sander and his wife Beverly. He is preceded in death by his sister Mary Susan Janse Sammis, and his parents Dr. and Mrs. Hector Mason Janse.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 29th of September, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the Parish Life Center.

In lieu of customary remembrances, Dick’s family asks that memorial contributions be directed toward the charity of one’s choice.