John P. Jaeckin's Obituary
John Patrick Jaeckin, 48, of Olmsted Falls, died Wednesday, August 26, 2020 on his way to work. John was born in Cleveland on November 1, 1971, the son of Robert and Marie Elaine Jaeckin. Elaine passed in 1995. While many Clevelanders recognize him as an accomplished football coach and player, his family and friends knew him best as a devoted man of God who dearly loved his family, especially his high school sweetheart and wife of 25 years, Melanie (Schmitz). He is survived by Melanie and their four children: John Jr., Jordan, Joshua and Justin. He was the loving son of Robert and step-son of Janice (Stoskus) Jaeckin and brother to Kim Klepek (Peter), Jeff Stoskus (Sarah) and Jenny Slone (Casey). John was beloved by his mother and father-in-law, Thomas and Bonnie Schmitz and brothers-in-law: Jason (Hallie), Eric (Jill), and Jonathan (Christina). He was an adored uncle, nephew, cousin, godfather, and a true friend to those his life touched.
A well-known, decorated and respected athlete throughout the region, John first gained wide recognition for completing the so-called, “Immaculate Reception" during the St. Ignatius 31-30 Division I regional championship victory over Euclid. John was the only person in the history of the great Sts. Edwards-Ignatius high school football rivalry to have won the first State Championship as a student-athlete for St. Ignatius and a Coach for St. Edward. While playing for the St. Ignatius football team, he was a 2-year stand-out, a 3-year letterman, and a member of a senior class that went 44-0 during his four-year high school career. He was part of a team that won the first-ever St. Ignatius Division I Ohio Championship Title in 1988, and the State and National Championships in 1989. That same year, John was named All-Ohio, and was awarded the Ozzie Newsome Receiver of the Year by the Cleveland Touchdown Club for breaking the receiving touch-down record at Ignatius with 11 touchdown receptions, which set a new season record. Subsequently, that year, he was nominated to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game which featured the best players throughout the state. As one of the most sought-after college recruits in the country, John went on to play tight-end on a football scholarship at the University of Michigan, where his team earned trips to the Gator Bowl, the Hall of Fame Bowl, as well as two back-to-back Rose Bowl games. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and Communications from the University.
His storied athletic career continued on as a gifted and patient coach. In 2009, he joined St. Edward High School's football coaching staff where he was a Tight End and Receivers Coach. In 2013, he moved on to lead the Varsity Wide Receivers and Special Teams for Olmsted Falls High School Football. He was especially grateful for the opportunity to help guide student-athletes in their college decisions. Wanting to provide more opportunities for younger athletes, a few years later John founded and operated the Olmsted Falls Youth Football League, and the Falls Freestyle Wrestling League.
Professionally, John found great fulfillment working with his colleagues in logistics, particularly at UPS, in his most recent position. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie with his colleagues and was proud to be an essential employee during the 2020 pandemic. He served on multiple task force assignments ensuring delivery of essential goods in New England and the Midwest, overseeing and safeguarding various routes during the crisis. Previously, John served the Cleveland Plain Dealer for more than 20-years as a paper-handler. He was best known for his outstanding work ethic, dedication and leadership skills.
Despite all his awards and accolades, John’s greatest happiness was found on the sidelines of his children’s football, wrestling and volleyball games. His family was his greatest source of joy. He treasured their time spent together more than anything.
A visitation will be held at the Sunset Chapel located at 6245 Columbia Rd., North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 from 2PM until 6PM. A funeral service will be held at Grace Church of Olmsted Falls located at 6941 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138 at 11AM. John will be laid to rest privately.
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