JB12 Foundation

Meet Jack Birch

It’s hard to find the right words to capture just who Jack was and the impact he made on the lives of those around him, because to experience Jack was truly unique.

People naturally gravitated towards his larger-than-life personality, where he would then captivate them with his charm and amazing sense of humor. He could always be found with a smile on his face, spreading his positivity and goodhearted nature to all those he met. Complementing his friendly and approachable disposition was an intense passion for sports (especially baseball), a love for mentoring young athletes, and a drive to excel in professional endeavors. Jack was the epitome of “work hard, play hard.”

When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.”

– Unknown
athlete

Jack the Athlete

Jack’s involvement in sports began at a young age when he joined Capital Little League. It was very clear early on that he had a passion and drive to play that was unmatched. He continued to play and hone his skills throughout his entire school career, supplementing his favorite sport (baseball) with football and basketball when he could. Whether it was practice, a game, or a high-stakes tournament, Jack was always the first one to give encouragement to his teammates and keep everyone’s spirits high. His competitive but supportive personality allowed him to go above and beyond as an athlete, while still recognizing the importance of growing and succeeding as a team. Jack was simultaneously everyone’s biggest rival and their biggest cheerleader.

Sports History:

  • Capital Little League, Delaware – Baseball
  • St. John the Beloved, Delaware – Baseball, Football, Basketball
  • St. Mark’s High School, Delaware – Baseball, Football, Basketball
  • R.C. DuPont, Delaware – Baseball
coach and mentor

Jack the Coach & Mentor

To Jack, being a coach and a mentor were intertwined, both on and off the field. He was always willing to give advice and support when it was needed (and even if you didn’t realize it was needed!) to his family, friends, baseball and softball teams, and colleagues. He was everyone’s “go-to-guy” and always made sure those around him were taken care of.

On the field, Jack could always be found helping one of the kids, including getting them anything they needed to make sure they could play. At his funeral, many young athletes and teens expressed their admiration for Jack and how he made them feel confident while giving them a positive role model. Off the field, Jack’s leadership in his professional life was recognized with multiple top performer awards and praise for his exceptional ability to lead others.

Coaching History:

  • St. John the Beloved, Delaware – Baseball, Softball
  • St. Mark’s High School, Delaware – Baseball
  • Piedmont Little League, Delaware – Baseball
  • Midway Little League, Delaware – Baseball
coach and mentor
family

Jack the Family Man

Jack always put a big emphasis on family; nothing was more important to him than his wife and two children. Celebrating holiday traditions, taking fun and adventurous vacations, having regular family dinners to stay close and connected as a family – Jack loved making memories and made sure to dedicate time to doing just that. 

Everyone could always rely on Jack to be there, and his family was no different. He introduced his kids to the world of sports and the love he has for it, but made sure they knew that, despite his many obligations and responsibilities, watching them play would always be a priority. From attending practices, cheering at games, and traveling to volleyball/baseball tournaments, Jack’s genuine joy and pride at watching his children play was obvious to all around him.

Jack’s Hobbies:

  • Attending Eagles games as a 20+ yr. season ticket holder
  • Attending Phillies games with friends and family
  • Tailgating parties
  • Eating his mom’s meatballs (they were his absolute favorite)
  • Making annual beach trips for fantasy football drafts

“Jack was the guy who never did anything halfway. Whatever it was, he pushed the boundaries. If you were hesitant to do something he would do it just to show you it could be done. That in turn gave those around him the confidence that they could do it too…no matter what it was. He influenced everyone around him to step up their games and push that extra inch.”

– Dan Thomas

“You made everyone a better person the moment they met you. I know this because I am one of those lucky people.”

– Carl McAllister

“You were always the 1st person to make sure I and everyone else at the tailgate was taken care of. Made sure everyone had a spot to park. Made sure to text the C1 family to give us play-by-play of what was going on until we all arrived. I remember when I told you my kids would be attending St. John’s and you were so excited for me to join in and be a part of the community…You would give the shirt off your back to anyone that needed one. You were a kind, caring, selfless man, Jack.”

– Stephen Letnianczyn

“As life and the years moved on, he went from instructor, to co-worker, to a guy I called my friend. Over the last 12 years I’ve become even better friends with him as we had kids the same age that did sports at SJB. He then became a coach to both my younger boys and saw the potential in them, which I will forever be grateful for. But, selfishly, I’m mad that you will not be around this year to coach Cam or to see them in to their high school years…Thank you for everything, instructor, co-worker, friend, coach, brother.”

– Tim Suvie

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