Murfreesboro, TN – Close your eyes and dream with me to the days of sandlot baseball games, times when you never locked your home, and during the summer baseball reigned supreme. For those who grew-up here, hearing the name Jack Jolly suddenly brings wonderful memories.
Last Friday, June 14, 2024, Jack regained his youthful spirit and strength and started playing for a new team, but now—let’s check the rest of the story for Jack Jolly.
His career started in the classrooms and ball fields at the old Walter Hill High School. From there his positive spirit encouraged students across Rutherford County and the mid-state.
A true picture of Jack Jolly was broadcast on WGNS April 3, 2012, when the Oakland Patriot’s first baseball coach commented on the school naming the stadium after him…
Jack was a “bigger than life” promoter of living by the Golden Rule, which he felt could be accomplished through baseball.
One of those life-long relationships was with the late Steve Peterson, the Blue Raider baseball coach. The two of them traveled to scout high school players. Later Jim McGuire was traveling and noted, “Jack likes to be part of the game.”
Senior Judge Don Ash said, “It was such a blessing to see Jack at the MTSU baseball games. He knew every player and watched the games with such intensity. He was such an icon in the baseball community, but he was an even better man.”
Jack Jolly built the baseball program at Oakland High School literally from the ground-up. He built the field, developed and coached the Patriot’ team, but most important—developed life-long friendships.
Former State Senator and Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron recalls, "Jack Jolly was my PE teacher at Mitchell-Neilson. He was a stern coach, but had a way about him the he could pull the hidden talent out of each kid. He always remembers your name. I would say that he touched more youth in his lifetime than anyone I know in Rutherford County. Everyone loved him. He always called me his favorite Republican, because he didn't know many, but I was still his favorite!"
Rutherford County Election Administrator Alan Farley remembered, "If you played for him or if he taught you in one of his classes--you were one of his kid for life. I have many fond memories of Coach Jolly. One of my favorites was when he 'bailed me out of some little mischief' about some bad officiating during a regional tournament basketball game at Shelbyville High School. He came over and told the officers, we will take care of this in the morning. After we walked off, I said, Coach, I've seen you say and do worse during a game. He laughed and cracked a big ole smile and said you've got a point. Nothing else was ever done. We laughed about that moment for years. He will be missed!!"
Local Principal, educator, coach and long-time WGNS' sports talk host Tim Tackett commented, "When I got the news on Jack's passing, my mind went immediately to John Swafford, Ray Hughes, and others from the opening of Oakland HS in '72. It was quite a group of bygone era...Jack Jolly, the latest to leave us, but he certainly left his mark! Quick with a story, witty and colorful. He was beloved, because he didn't mind showing that he cared, not just about the player - but also about the person. And can't think of Jack and not think of Dolly. Jack and Dolly were deer church feiends, he will be missd at St. Mark's. I'm sad that he's gone, but smiling becuse I knew him."
Jack was a believer in “If you love something, go as long as you can.”
In addition to helping the youth of this area, Jack’s love spread across the ballparks of the world. He was a scout with the Chicago White Sox for around a quarter of a century. After that his passion to help others through the sport continued part-time with Montreal. Jack was age 85 when he made the decision to hang-up the gloves and his car keys.
After living a life of service to others, nine-years-later, Jack Jolly passed away at the age of 94 years old.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years. Ella (Dolly) Tittsworth Jolly, daughter Susie Jolly Fusting (Larry), son John P. Jolly, grandchildren Gracie Fusting Arms (Travis), Jackson Fusting, and great grandchild Hunter Arms.
Jack was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.
Visitation will be Saturday June 22nd 10:00AM until 1:00PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Memorial Service will be Saturday June 22nd 1:00PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.
CLICK HERE to see his complete obituary.
