It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, uncle, and friend, John Charles DeBakker.
He passed away on Nov. 3 while visiting his brother, Bob, in West Linn, Ore.
He was commonly known as “Johnny” or “Coach” and left an unforgettable mark on all those who knew him.
Coach DeBakker was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 29, 1947, to the late Robert and Ruth DeBakker. He is survived by Cathy DeBakker, Diana Ridlehoover (Jerry), Debra DeBakker, Bob DeBakker (Catherine), and Mary Ann Borum (Albert).
He will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews, Jonathan Godwin, Jennifer Godwin, Nicholas DeBakker (Lucia), Madeline Lea (Erik), Carsten DeBakker (Eleanor), Taylor Martin (Steven), and Bret Borum (Annie).
He is also survived by his beloved Aunt Lorraine DeBakker in Norway, Mich., who he visited frequently.
Coach DeBakker attended Knoxville Catholic High School. After graduating, he received a scholarship to Northern Michigan University to play football.
In 1972, he attended St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and received his bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy. He was elected to the board of student advisers and lettered in golf.
Coach DeBakker returned to Knoxville Catholic High School to teach history and serve as head coach for the Fighting Irish football team.
During his summers, he worked as a supervisor of the batting cages for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He attended the University of Tennessee and received his master’s degree in education. He worked as an administrative assistant and head resident of Gibbs Hall under University of Tennessee football coach Johnny Majors.
He returned to Knoxville Catholic High School as the athletic director and assistant principal.
Coach DeBakker spent his final years teaching and coaching at York Institute in Jamestown, Tenn. He touched the lives of many with his dedication, experience, and humor.
Coach DeBakker enjoyed a life of abundance. His interests included fishing, sports, hunting, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed traveling to historic locations across the United States and translated his experiences to the classroom. He was a people person and met many during his excursions. He was a loyal and devoted uncle, brother, friend, and mentor.
Services will be held on Jan. 17 at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge. The family will receive friends from 10-10:50 a.m., with the funeral Mass beginning at 11 a.m.
Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to a reception to celebrate Coach DeBakker’s life at Calhoun’s, 100 Melton Lake Peninsula in Oak Ridge.
Donations in Coach DeBakker’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Coach DeBakker will rest near his parents at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Anderson County. His inscription will read “Spread love wherever you go.”