Mr. Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce died on Tuesday after a battle with heart conditions and other complications.
Pierce was a long-time head baseball coach at Hattiesburg High School.
Highlights
- Jack J. “Jimmu” Pierce coached cheerleaders for 21 years, and HHS won the state title thrice.
- Pierce lost his life on February 18, 2025, at 72, after suffering from heart problems and other complications.
- He was born to his father, Jack Pierce, and Betty Pierce. Brenda Pierce Kruise is mourning the loss of Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce.
Pierce served as President of the USM Baseball Dugout Club for several years.
In addition, he worked as the Director of cheerleading camps and tryouts around the country. He coached cheerleaders for 21 years, and HHS won the state title thrice.
He was selected as Mississippi’s ” vice-principal of the year” and the Head coach of the South team at the Olympic Festival in Los Angeles, California.
For him, one of his greatest honors was having the baseball field at Smokie Harrington Park named in his honor.
He turned his attention and talents to the USM baseball program, serving as president of its autonomous fundraising arm, “The Dugout Club.”
Pierce was selected to the Hattiesburg Hall of Fame in 2023.
One of his most enjoyable pastimes was attending musicals on Broadway and around the country. He attended more than fifty musicals and plays.
He was also fortunate to have seen many professional games in stadiums nationwide. His mountain getaway in North Carolina was a wonderful retreat for his family and friends.
Pierce loved traveling, having visited 49 of the 50 states. One of his recent quotes was,
“My Lord and Savior has given me the best life I could have ever thought possible”.
Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce
Coach Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce Died At The Age Of 72
A long-time head Baseball Coach at Hattiesburg High School, Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 72, after a long battle with heart conditions.
Pierce’s friend Cherri Smith Case took to her official Facebook handle and said Jack has been dealing with significant health problems. She also sent prayers to his family members by stating,
Brookhaven High School has lost one of its greatest principals, Jimmy Pierce, who passed away this morning in Hattiesburg. I had spoken with him yesterday. I was truly blessed to call him my friend. He had been dealing with significant health problems and had an upcoming doctor’s appointment today. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, especially his sister, Brenda Kruse. Please pray for Brenda and other family members. I will post the arrangements as soon as I know them.
Cherri Smith Case
Chris Bedenbaugh, the University of Southern Mississippi graduate, also took to his Facebook handle and thanked Pierce for his dedication and impact on Tiger baseball. He wrote,
All of us associated with Hattiesburg High School Tigers Baseball are saddened by the passing of the legendary Coach Jimmy Pierce. Coach Pierce was a Hattiesburg High graduate and brought the first two baseball State Championships to Hattiesburg in 1980 and 1984. We honor his legacy every day by trying to live up to the standard that he created when the Tigers practice and play on Jimmy Pierce Field. He is a 2023 HHS Hall of Famer and and a member of the Mississippi Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. He is said to have coached over 2,000 student athletes at Hattiesburg High. Thank you Coach Pierce for your dedication and impact on Tiger Baseball!
Chris Bedenbaugh
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolence and prayers to Pierce’s family to stay strong in this challenging time.
He will be remembered forever for his unforgettable contributions to Hattiesburg High School as their baseball coach.
As per the source, services are set for 10 a.m. through noon on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home Chapel in Hattiesburg.
A service is set to follow at noon at the chapel, followed by interment in Highland Cemetery.
Rest in Peace, Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce.
Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce Is Survived By His Sister, Brenda P. Kurse
Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce was born to his father, Jack Pierce, and his mother, Betty Pierce. He grew up with his sister, Brenda P. Kurse of Semmes, Alabama.
Brenda is originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and attended Hattiesburg High School.
She later studied for a Bachelor of Science at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kurse is mourning the loss of her brother, Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce.
Jack is also survived by his nephew, Dr. James Kruse; his wife, Heather, of Mobile, Alabama; his great-nephew, Ayden; and his niece, Kelsie Kruse.
Additional Information
- Jack J. “Jimmy” Pierce loved bulldogs, one of which was L.T. Pierce, his best friend for the past 12 years.
- Under Pierce’s guidance, the Hattiesburg High School baseball team won state championships in 1980 and 1984. They also won five South State pennants and nine district flags.
- Pierce had an annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000 as a baseball coach at Hattiesburg High School.
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