Jack Edward Baumgartner, Sr.

Springfield, VA and Naples, FL

Jack Edward Baumgartner, Sr., a long-time coach and high-school administrator with Fairfax County, Virginia Public Schools, passed away June 3, 2018 after a battle with angiosarcoma.

Jack spent 25 years as a coach, teacher, and assistant principal at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia from the time it opened in 1958 until his retirement in 1983.

Born in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee in 1928, Jack was the fourth of nine children of Phillip and Edith Baumgartner. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Washington D.C., where he attended McKinley Tech High School. Jack excelled in athletics and was a metro all-star in both football and baseball. He earned an athletic scholarship to George Washington University, where he continued to shine in football and baseball. It was during this time that he met his future wife and love of his life, Edna Simmons. Jack played semi-professional football for two years as the quarterback for Car Credit, leading the team to a perfect record both seasons.

Jack was recruited by the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, but made a decision to start a family. He began his career teaching at Chamberlain High School in Washington D.C. Two years later, Jack took a position at what was then the opening of Robert E. Lee High School. He was a physical education teacher, head football coach, and J.V. and Varsity baseball coach. During this time, Jack worked various part-time jobs, including managing the Hunter Motel in Newington, Virginia while working on his Master's Degree. In 1971, Jack was named Assistant Principal at Lee High School and remained in that position until his retirement. Jack and Edna relocated to Loudoun County, first to Herndon, Virginia, and then to Leesburg, Virginia. In 2013, they moved to Naples, Florida to be close to some of their children and their families.

Jack's warm and genuine affection for people won the hearts of all who met him. He had a sharp mind, quick wit, and made friends easily. He was recognized by someone wherever he traveled. Generations of students from Lee High School remembered Jack as a mentor, coach, teacher, and a friend. He was dedicated to his faith and family, as well as his students and players at Lee High School.

Whether you called him Dad, Coach, Jack, Grandad, or Cadillac Jack, he will be remembered in all of our hearts. He is survived by Edna Simmons Baumgartner, his wife of 68 years, as well as his daughter, Karen and husband Michael, son Jack Jr. and wife Robin, daughter Paula and husband Rick, and his son, John. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and countless other relatives and friends whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by Jack E. Baumgartner IV. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude's, or of a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Jack's life will take place in Northern Virginia on August 4th. Details will be forthcoming.