PAUL BURTON JUNG

1962 - 2024

JUNG, Paul Burton Age 61, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, due to complications from bacterial pneumonia. He was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed. Born on November 27, 1962, Paul is survived by his niece, Stephanie (Manning); his nephew, Steven (Manning); and his great many friends in the Massachusetts gymnastics community who were like his "family." He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce, who passed only nine days before him; and his sister, Estelle (Miller). Paul attended Weymouth High School and then began his gymnastics coaching career in 1980. He coached the women's competitive team program at the Academy of Gymnastics in Stoughton, MA from 1982 to 1994, and then at Spectrum Gymnastics in Brockton, MA from 1994 to 2000, when he suffered a debilitating stroke that prematurely ended his coaching career. Prior to suffering his stroke, he was also a championship body builder, excelling in all aspects of physical fitness, as well as a New England Patriots cheerleader. During his 20-year career as a gymnastics coach, Paul touched countless lives, both young and old, with his knowledge and passion for the sport, boundless enthusiasm and ability to push athletes to their fullest potential, while doing so with his ever-present humor and affectionate smile. His athletes went on to become doctors, lawyers, physical and behavioral therapists, veterinarians, teachers, business executives, and, of course, gymnastics coaches and judges, among many other successful pursuits, and Paul played an important role in each one of their journeys. He instilled in each one of his athletes a positive, never-quit attitude, and always pushed them to "Do Whatever it Takes." Perhaps most symbolic of Paul's character, he faced even his most difficult and painful obstacle - the suffering of a debilitating stroke at the young age of 37 - with perseverance, strength and that well-known and well-loved smile. After recuperating as best he could physically, he worked at the Quincy YMCA as a personal trainer and ran classes he called the "kids room," designed for flexibility, agility, strength and fun. He was fondly remembered for his "Hi Dude" greeting and supporting and encouraging those around him with an "Awesome Job." Paul was a symbol of strength in every aspect of his life, notwithstanding his physical limitations. Family and close friends will fondly remember Paul's humor, his affectionate smile, and the way he cared so deeply for everyone around him. The Massachusetts gymnastics community has lost one of the most inspiring coaches it has ever known, with the loss of Paul Jung. Paul's family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life in honor Paul, which will be held on Friday, October 4, at 7pm, at Randolph Elks Lodge 2130 (21 School Street Randolph, MA). A Memorial Page has also been set up on FaceBook, where friends and family are welcome to share memories and photos of Paul.

View the online memorial for Paul Burton JUNG