Former coach and educator Jack Groce passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 95.
Jack William Groce was a beloved member of the high-country community. He was recognized as the historic coach of Watauga High School.
His career includes his work as a golf coach, baseball coach, football coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and Watauga County athletic director.
Moreover, in recognition of his works, Jack was inducted as a Charter Member of the Appalachian State University Athletic Hall of Fame Watunga County Sports Hall of Fame.
Highlights
- Jack Groce was a sports coach, educator, and administrator in Watauga County.
- Groce was married to his high school sweetheart, Jenny Anderson, and was the father of three children.
- Jack Groce passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 95.
Jack Groce passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 95. He took his last breath surrounded by his loved ones in his house at High-County community.
The passing news of Jack Groce was first announced by Watauga Football on January 19, 2025, following his demise on January 17. The obituary article writes,
With heavy hearts, we remember Coach Jack Groce, former head coach at Appalachian High School and Watauga High School. His leadership and dedication left an enduring legacy that shaped generations of athletes. Rest in peace, Coach.
Watauga Football
With heavy hearts, we remember Coach Jack Groce, former head coach at Appalachian High School and Watauga High School. His leadership and dedication left an enduring legacy that shaped generations of athletes. Rest in peace, Coach. #WataugaFootball #PioneerLegend pic.twitter.com/zTkFaja1Rz
— WataugaFootball (@PerfectEffort14) January 18, 2025
Following the news on the X (formerly Twitter), the WHS Pioneer Booster Club posted,
We send our sincerest sympathies to the family of Pioneer legend, & namesake of our football stadium, Coach Jack Groce. Coach Groce was a beloved member of the WHS family & local community. His roles & contributions were many. He is already missed.
WHS Pioneer Booster Club
Jack Groce Is Survived By His Wife, Jenny Anderson, Three Children, And Seven Great-Grandchildren
Jack Groce grew up in Wilkes County. He was a three-sport athlete at Wilkes Central High School, where he met his love of life, Jenny Anderson.
After graduating from high school, Jack married his sweetheart and later moved to Boone from Wilkes to attend Appalachian State Teachers College.
Both Jack Groce and his wife, Jenny Anderson, received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Appalachian College.
Later, they permanently resided in Boone, North Carolina, where they raised a family. Jack continued his sports legacy as a coach and administrator.
Late Jack Groce and his wife Jenny Anderson have three children: Doug Groce, Amy Hodges, and Jack Groce II. Their daughter, Lisa Groce, unexpectedly passed away when she was an infant.
Jack Groce’s oldest son, Doug Groce, is involved in charity programs and organizes group funding programs for health, education, and community causes.
Furthermore, he is married to his beautiful wife, Donna Williams Groce, who works at Trinity Oaks, a senior living community.
Furthermore, Jack Groce’s only daughter, Amy Groce Hodges, is the mother of two children, Jack’s grandchildren, Staci Norris and Spencer Hodges.
Spencer is a vice president and pharmacist at Boone Drugs, while Staci is a community volunteer.
Moreover, Jack Groce and Jenny Anderson Groce’s youngest child, Jack Groce II, lives in Weaverville, North Carolina, with his beloved husband, Jim Gutschick.
While The World Knew Jack Groce As A Coach, For His Family, He Was Dad, Daddy, Or Pa-Paw
Jack Groce was a strong foundational guardian of his family. He was also a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He took immense pride in his family and cherished every moment spent with them. Beyond his professional achievements and acknowledgments, Jack was a loving and respected family member.
While the Groce family is devastated by Jack’s demise, they celebrate his historical legacy and importance in the family.
On the Facebook page, Jack’s granddaughter-in-law Bailey Hodges, wife of Spencer, wrote,
Most people called him coach. We called him Papaw. My words can’t describe what an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, athlete, coach, principal, advocate, legend, and all around person Jack Groce was. We are so thankful he put his faith in Jesus and is now healed. We miss you so much and love you forever, Papaw
Bailey Hodges
As of January 23, 2025, the family is mourning Jack Groce’s passing. Instead of flowers, they have requested donations to the Watauga High Booster Club, the Appalachian State University Yosef Club, a church, or a charity.
Additional Information
- A memorial service for Jack Groce will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Boone United Methodist Church.
- Jack Groce was born on May 31, 1929, to William Arthur Groce, Sr., and Maude Pinnix Groce.
- Jack Groce had five siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, William Arthur Jr., John Henry, Jay, and Jettie Ann, and survived by a sister, Peggy Groce Absher.
