Jacksonville, Florida: Ira Welborn, a longtime track and field coach, passed away peacefully at 83 on March 1, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. His dear friend and companion, Shirley, was beside him.
He was a beloved figure in Jacksonville’s track and field community who passed away after battling his long illness.
Highlights
- Ira Welborn was battling his long illness and passed away peacefully at 83 on March 1, 2025.
- He didn’t come from a wealthy family; his father worked by the river at the plywood mill.
- The Welborn family will hold his celebration of life in about 30-45 days, but there will not be a funeral.
Ira was a record-breaking pole vaulter in his youth and dedicated decades to coaching young athletes in Jacksonville. He trained numerous state champions and All-First Coast athletes, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
He trained hard to learn pole vault before graduating from Dublin High School in 1959. His training paid off, and he set a high school state pole vault record in 1959.
Later, he concentrated on teaching but kept working out and set a national record of 14’6″ for a person over 30 years of age. He had been one of Florida’s most respected and admired track and field coaches over the last half-century.
Ira was inducted into the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame on January 5, 2018. He has taught uncountable students the art and science of pole vaulting.
Sadly, his tragic demise left the Jacksonville track and field community heartbroken.
I can’t think of anybody in the last 30 years who was in pole vaulting in the Jacksonville area that didn’t encounter him. He would work with everybody. He will be missed.
Randy Reagor
Ira Welborn’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
The passing of Coach Ira Welborn deeply saddens the Welborn family and the Jacksonville track and field community.
He was a legendary athletic figure dedicated to mentoring young athletes, shaping champions, and fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Ira was known for his dedication, passion, and mentorship. Throughout his career, he profoundly impacted countless athletes and colleagues.
He was a community pillar who inspired generations of athletes to strive for excellence on and off the track. His contributions to the sport extended beyond coaching.
Moreover, his constant commitment to developing young talent and fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship marked his legacy.
Rod McIntyre, a longtime friend and former Jacksonville University basketball athlete, administered his Facebook in recent days and announced his death. He had frequently updated Ira’s fans about his health.
Likewise, multiple track coaching colleagues confirmed his demise with the Times-Union.
Tributes from former athletes, coaches, and community members have poured in as news of his passing spreads, praising his knowledge, kindness, and the enduring impact he had on their lives.
Ira Welborn: ‘Mr. Pole Vault,’ longtime Jacksonville track and field coach, dies at 83 – Longtime track and field coach Ira Welborn, who earned the title of Jacksonville’s Mr. Pole Vault during a career coaching hundreds of Northeast Florida pole vaulters over the span of decades, died Saturday, March 1, after a long illness. He was 83 years old.
Brenda Seiple
Ira didn’t come from a wealthy family. His mother, Mary Turner Barfield, lived with his father, Wiley Turner, who worked at the plywood mill by the river.
His parents preceded his death, and the Welborn family will hold his celebration of life in about 30-45 days. There will not be a funeral other than the celebration of life.
Ira’s absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the track and field community. Rest In Peace, Coach Ira Welborn.
Additional Information
- Ira Welborn won the Georgia High School Association pole vault championship with Dublin High School and set the Class A record on May 1, 1959, at Porter Stadium.
- In August 1998, he cleared 10 feet and 6 inches at the U.S. Masters Championship in the 55-59 division.
- He helped build a Florida High School Athletic Association pole vaulting dynasty at Episcopal, which won six consecutive state girls’ championships.
