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John Beckner Obituary
Dubbed “a USA gymnastic era unto himself” by the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame, John Gilbert “Jack” Beckner passed away in his sleep on November 16, 2016.
His first competition was for Franklin High School in 1948 where he won first place on the parallel bars in the All-City meet. He starred for Los Angeles City College and then the University of Southern California where he won NCAA Champion in the All Around, 1952, and Parallel Bars Champion in 1951 and 1952. He was a five-time NCAA All American. Jack won nine gold medals in the Pan American Games and won National AAU All-Around Champion four straight years: 1956-1959. Beckner graduated from USC in 1953, and entered the US Army, 7th Corps, Special Services, where he competed in exhibition meets throughout Europe. He competed in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, the 1956 Games at Melbourne, and the 1960 Games in Rome. He coached the US Olympic Team in the 1968 Mexico City Games. He coached the USC Men’s Gymnastics Team from 1957 until 1981 when the team was disbanded, and won USC’s only Gymnastics National Championship in 1962. His gymnasts won 14 national individual titles in NCAA, NAAU, and United States Gymnastics Federation competition.
Jack was a highly respected national and international judge. A lifetime member of the USA Gymnastics Federation, Jack was a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. 1989 saw him inducted into the National Gymnastics Judges Association Hall of Fame. In 2005, he was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame and in 2011 into the Los Angeles High Schools Sports Hall of Fame.
He was a long time Physical Education teacher in the LA Unified School District, and a judge at many youth gymnastics meets in Southern California including the Watts Summer Games and the Special Olympics.
Jack was the second son of Lola and Andrew Vernon Beckner of Highland Park. A fifty-two year resident of Studio City, he is survived by his wife Barbara, sons John and Michael and daughter Maria. He was very proud of his ten grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Blind Children’s Center at 4120 Marathon Street • Los Angeles, California 90029. [email protected] • 323.664.2153
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Beckner
Sponsored by Los Angeles Daily News.
6 Entries
Tom Gillman
June 23, 2024
I met "Mr. Beckner" in September, 1956, in Los Angeles where my family had just moved to from Ohio. He was my homeroom teacher at Canfield Elementary School and had just returned from the Summer Olympics in Australia. He was a very personable guy and as an active gymnast, in great physical condition. This was 68 years ago and yet this then-very young student remembers him well. I simply want to extend my sincere respects to his family.
March 11, 2018
May the peace and comfort that comes from our Lord and Savior bring you hope and comfort during this time. Mr. Beckner was my 7th grade PE teacher at ERHS in 1970. He was a good but demanding teacher that brought discipline and structure to us middle school students that were in need of his structure and discipline. I have fond memories of this special mentor.
January 17, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. It is always so very hard to lose a loved one in death and our loving Heavenly Father is very aware and understand your painful loss. He will listen to your prayer and pay attention to your pleas for help because he is near to all those calling on him. In the days of your distress, he will answer you. Find comfort that your loved one will live again. (Psalms 86:6-7) Your family and friends have my deepest condolences.
January 17, 2017
My condolences to family and friends. May your hearts find comfort in the words found at Matthew 5:4 in this time of sorrow.
Connie
January 16, 2017
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
January 15, 2017
With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22
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