Joseph Hubert "Joe" Heitzman Jr.

Joseph Hubert "Joe" Heitzman, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and coach, peacefully passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 11th, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on October 23, 1940, in Louisville, Joe devoted his life to family, education and mentorship, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. His Louisville roots shaped his humble, persistent, and passionate character.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Joe graduated from St. Xavier High School, in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1958. He graduated from Bellarmine University in 1962, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in secondary education and history, alongside minors in English, philosophy, and theology. He later pursued a master's degree in history, graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1969.
Throughout an outstanding 53-year career in education, Joe inspired and guided countless students and athletes to success. A gifted educator, he spent 30 years teaching history and shaping character at Louisville's St. Xavier High School. Coaching the track and field and cross-country teams there, Joe proved a gifted leader by leading his athletes toward multiple state championships.
His dedication extended beyond academics and athletics, as Joe also notably served as Principal of St. Xavier's summer school and Assistant Dean for the prestigious Kentucky's Governor's Scholars Program. Following his remarkable tenure at St. Xavier, Joe taught for 15 successful years at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, again finding championship success as coach of the track and field team. But beyond the accolades, Joe measured success by instilling lifelong values in his students.
Joe continued his teaching journey at Bethlehem High School in Bardstown, Kentucky, where he taught English for seven years. Additionally, he enriched minds at the collegiate level, teaching courses at both the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky Community College System.
His brilliant and compassionate coaching garnered him prestigious recognition, including Coaches Association Coach of the Year for Cross Country in 1973, 1974, and 1976, and for Track and Field in 1975. Further accolades included Urban League's Coach of the Year in Cross Country and Track and Field in 1974 and 1975, as well as National Federation Track and Field Coach of the Year and the ICGSA's Track and Field Coach of the Year honors in 1996. His lasting contributions to athletics were honored by his induction into both Bellarmine's Hall of Fame (1979) and St. Xavier's Hall of Fame (1995). Joe was also the proud founder and former president of the Kentucky Track Coaches Association, as well as the Louisville Track and Cross Country Coaches Association. He was also inducted into the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013. Joe's character awarded him a prestigious commission as a Kentucky Colonel.
Joe was always teaching and mentoring, regardless of setting. Deeply devoted to family, students, and athletes, he profoundly shaped countless lives. His passion for philosophy and an excellent conversation about sports demonstrated his boundless curiosity, intelligence, and warmth. An avid sports enthusiast, Joe also took great joy traveling among Louisville, Wyoming, and Indiana.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. Heitzman, Sr., Mary Helen (Bissmeyer) Heitzman, and his stepmother, Alice Heitzman. Joe is survived by Naomi Heitzman, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; his three loving children Joseph H. Heitzman III (Marybeth), of Port Charlotte, Florida, Mark Heitzman, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Yvonne Ratliff (Shannon), of Cheyenne, Wyoming, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, three siblings; sister Mary Ridenour (John) of Louisville, Kentucky, sister Debbie Wallitsch (Herman), of Louisville, Kentucky, and brother, Greg Heitzman (Linda), of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as a host of colleagues, former students, and admirers forever influenced by his wisdom and generosity.
A Celebration of Life honoring Joe will be held at Pearson's Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40207, on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather earlier, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., to share memories and fellowship.
Joe Heitzman's life and legacy enriched and inspired countless others. He touched so many hearts in profound ways, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Xavier High School academic scholarship fund, in Joe's memory.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes to Remember"