May 27, 1927 – Aug 28, 2017 (Age 90)
Jud Heathcote, who led Michigan State and Magic Johnson to the 1979 NCAA championship, has died, according to the Associated Press. He was 90. For full coverage and obituary from Legacy.com, click here.
I got to know Jud when he was the head coach at Montana. I was a high school basketball official, and I volunteered to officiate his practice scrimmages. He was one of a kind, and great human being. I'll never forget him.
Steve Dill
May 23, 2024 | Missoula, MT | Friend
Dad,
I think of you every day and I miss you so much. I especially miss your amazing humor, feistiness, generosity and advice. I miss calling you “Old Al,” and just hanging out with you, watching sports on TV. I will never forget the last conversation I had with you, the day before you passed, nor will I ever forget the Heathcote motto: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I love you so much Dad.
Barbara Jean
Barbara Cox
February 28, 2021 | Daughter
I met Jud when he was assistant coach under Marv Harshman at WSU. We had an outing to Lake Cordilane(sp) with Phi Epsilon Kappa, an honorary fraternity for PE majors. Probably 15 students Marv and Jud. We talked basketball cooked breakfast and bonded. I remember the weekend somewhat, but an incident that I will take to my grave was this. Three years later I was taking care of a quadriplegic at the Holliday Inn by SeaTac airport. I was waiting for the elevator to take to my patients...
Shannon Burns
January 19, 2020 | IRVINE, CA | Student
Jud, Pull up your Socks. He was a mentor as I watched The Griz practice and play. Played B.B. with son Jerry the Bear. Hitchhiked home from a game and got a ride with his Daughter. That's Montana! Jud you have served the game well. Goodbye.
July 18, 2018
my memory ofnjud goes back to the 1984 olympic trials in bloomington indiana. Me and a friend were standing in the the tunnel when Jud walks by and says "you guys looking for trouble ?" he had a grin on his face but we were down there illegally. And we scooted outafter that.
Tom Binsacl
October 05, 2017 | Jackson, MI
Sorry for your lost, to the family and friends of Jud Heathcote. May the God of Peace be with the family in these difficult times. PS
September 13, 2017
SORRY TO HEAR OF COACH HEATHCOTE'S PASSING!
HE WAS AN INSPIRATIONAL COACH--YOU REALLY KNEW HE WAS.."FULL HEART"..IN THE GAME!
HE GAVE ME...POWERFUL ADVICE ON HOW TO WIN WITH MY HIGH SCHOOL TEAM!
THE GRIZZLIES....WERE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM---IN MONTANA!
GEORGE HAMILTON
September 10, 2017 | MEDICINE HAT, AB
So sorry for your loss May God comfort and give you peace.
My sincere condolences to Mr. Heathcote family,and friends.
RDR
September 09, 2017 | IL
Jud, Thank you for all that you did for the young men you helped to become lovers of BB and achievers in life. You were and always will be an inspiration in my life.
Richard Cummings
September 07, 2017 | Gig Harbor, WA