John McGregor

1941 - 2022

John McGregor
October 28, 1941 - December 9, 2022
Sacramento, California - John H. McGregor, Johnny Mac to his golfing buddies, died of cancer December 9. 2022 at the age of 81.
Born in racially segregated Oklahoma on October 28, 1941, John moved with his family to Redwood City, California in 1953. As one of few black students in his high school, he found acceptance as an athlete and discovered a love of sport. In high school and then at both San Mateo City College and San Francisco State University, John earned recognition as a star football player and a record setting track and field athlete. His record in the long jump at San Francisco State still holds today. After graduating from college in 1963, John worked as a buyer for Macy's and continued competing in track and field earning a bid to the 1964 Olympic Trials.
In 1965 John was inducted into the U.S. Army serving his country and distinguishing himself as a member of the All-Army Track and Field Team in 1966. After his service John returned to the San Francisco Bay area where he worked as a probation officer while simultaneously working on his master's degree in counseling at Hayward State University. During this time John discovered what was to become his greatest athletic passion, golf. And like his other athletic pursuits, he excelled at it.
In 1975 John embarked on his 30-year career at American River College in Sacramento, California. As a counselor there, he positively impacted the lives of countless students. In Sacramento, John continued playing golf becoming one of the top amateurs in the area. Among others, he won the City Championship in 1979 and the County Championship in 1981.
,In his retirement John enjoyed the camaraderie of good friends in weekly skins games at various area courses. He also made it a priority to give back. He mentored young players, donated to many charities, and supported several un-housed people living in his area.
John will be deeply missed by his many friends and especially by his son, Sommes McGregor and by his long-time companion, Kathy Streeper.