John M. "Coach" Howard

John Martin Howard Sr, affectionately known as "Coach," passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 19, 2026, at his residence in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 82.

John was a lifelong teacher and coach who dedicated his life to education, athletics, and the mentorship of young people. He excelled as an athlete, playing football and baseball at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. His athletic accomplishments led to him being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game of baseball.

Though he had the opportunity to pursue a professional athletic career, John chose a path of service as an educator and coach. Known to many simply as "Coach," he made a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes, instilling values of hard work, integrity, teamwork, and perseverance-lessons that extended far beyond the classroom and field.

His teaching and coaching career spanned more than 5 decades, with most of that time in Jacksonville. His career began at Pendleton High School in Anderson, South Carolina in 1967. In 1971 he moved to Jacksonville and began teaching and coaching at Ed White High School and then to the Episcopal School of Jacksonville. In 1990, he accepted a position at The Bolles School and retired in 2015 after 25 years of service. While at Bolles, he taught numerous students important lessons through the examination of World and US History and will be remembered for hosting evening study sessions and his famous "Breakfast Club." He was a proud and integral part of the Bolles football coaching staff as Defensive Line Coach and helped lead the team to 9 state championships. On the baseball field he was honored to serve as head JV coach and an assistant Varsity coach. He also served as an assistant baseball coach at Jacksonville University from 1999 - 2007.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Sr. and Mildred Howard.

He is survived by his loving children: Kelly Smith (Kevin), Hillary Citrano (Jimmy), and Johnny Howard Jr. (Katie); his cherished grandchildren, Jimmy, Janie, and Emily Citrano, and Audrey and John Howard III (Jay); his brother, Les Howard; and his sister, Martha Jean Rogers (Steve). He is also lovingly remembered by many extended family members, former students, players, and friends.

John's legacy as an educator, coach, and role model will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Services will be held on February 9, 2026 at 1pm at All Saints Episcopal Church at 4171 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207. A reception to follow in the Parish hall to share stories of Coach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to All Saints Episcopal Church towards their Youth and Outreach programs