John Reis Terwilliger

"Jack"

Born in Tampa September 13, 1936. His family moved to Ambridge, PA when he was a child and moved back to Zephyrhills, FL when he was 13.

He attended St. Leo Prep School in Dade City, FL. He was a member of the football team and ran track. He set school records in the 100, 220 and 440 yard dash as well as being a member of the 440 yard relay and one mile relay record setting teams. He was inducted into the St. Leo Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. Jack was also involved in choir, drama, was the school sports editor and the president of the charter chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa

Jack went on to attend Florida State University and ran track for the Seminoles. During his successful career he set two FSU school records, one for the 60 yard dash which held for fourteen years and one for the 100 meter relay that held for 18 years. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and Gold Key Honorary Society. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1958.

Jack, or "Mr. T" as the students liked to call him, was most well known as a beloved and inspiring science teacher at Coleman Middle School, originally known as Coleman Junior High, from 1961-2000. His passion for teaching and encouraging young minds to realize their full potential was foremost throughout his life. Coleman Junior High was still in its early years, when Jack, along with other inspiring teachers, set about to initiate an after school sports program, which led to the creation of the football and track teams. Jack was a football coach and track coach for the Coleman Cobras for many years.

Along with teaching in the classroom, Jack also was involved in the community by teaching swimming lessons in the summer and coached the Tampa Bay Little League softball team the Sandpipers. Finding he had a passion for this as well, he continued to coach girls softball for many years. During this time he was an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Little League Girls Softball All Stars, who went to the Little League World Series two years in a row and won the series in 1987.

During all these years he still had time to pursue his love of running. Turning to long distance, one could always find him running the track across from his house with his group of running buddies. He and his friends followed the race circuit in the area for several years and he finally achieved his long term goal of completing a marathon.

Jack was also a family man and married Jenny Douglas in 1963. They went on to have two daughters, Ashley and Erin. He started Ashley running long distance at an early age, thinking it would release all of her energy, and shared his love of reading with Erin and coached her softball team. They spent many family vacations camping or at the beach, and even in playing with them he was always teaching them something. Whether it was how to play backgammon and cards, how to swim and ride bikes or helping with homework he encouraged them to always strive to do their best. He was a father that taught his children as he did his students, with love and inspiration, for as long as he was here.

In his later years, he enjoyed a quiet family life with his wife Jenny and spending many days with his grandchildren that lived nearby. Jack was also able to travel to see his other grandchildren in different states, and even Germany.

Jack is survived by his wife Jenny, his daughter Ashley Enos, his son-in-law Michael Enos, their children Alexander and Taylor, his daughter Erin Howle, his son-in-law Jason Howle and their children Emma, Jake, Grady and Gretchen.

Arrangements under the direction of Holly Hill Funeral Home, Middleburg, FL.