John J. "Jack" Matkowsky

John Joseph Matkowsky September 21, 1931 – February 8, 2011 John Joseph Matkowsky, 79, of Americus, died Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Tift Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Earl Dunmon officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday at Hancock Funeral Home Mr. Matkowsky, or as friends called him “Jack”, was born on September 21, 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Catherine Proch and Nicholas Matkowsky. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Chattanooga and his master’s degree from Peabody College, he served as a coach and a teacher of science and math for Americus High School. During his time at Americus High School, the team won two state championships proving that his passion for the sport was clear to his players. He then taught at Staley Junior High School. He retired as head coach at Tri-County High School and was instrumental in developing their football program. He was a passionate coach and teacher, always encouraging his players and students to keep going even when the going got tough. Mr. Matkowsky taught swimming lessons for children in Americus. An avid sports fan, he also spent several years officiating football, basketball, baseball, softball, and wrestling. He spent many years serving the youth of Americus and will be remembered as having a positive influence on a generation of young people. Mr. Matkowsky was a standout athlete for each and every team on which he played. He was inducted into the hall of fame at Clayton High School in Clayton, New Jersey for his performance on the high school football team. He was also named an All-American at Potomac State Junior College. During his time at the University of Chattanooga, he rotated among numerous positions including halfback, defensive back, linebacker, punter, and kicker. He also wrestled in the 191-pound division winning the SEC title in 1955 and ’56. Mr. Matkowsky played alongside the legendary Vince Dooley, for the Marines, when he was stationed at Parris Island, SC in 1953-54. His final accomplishment on the football field came when the Philadelphia Eagles gave him a tryout in 1957. Mr. Matkowsky will be remembered fondly by so many as husband, father, grandfather, teammate, coach, and friend. He loved his friends and family dearly. While he was not a man of many words, he evidenced his love in his actions to those in his life. He is survived by his wife, Sara Tollett Matkowsky, his daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Gary Baxter of Tifton, GA, his son and daughter-in-law, Britt and Heather Matkowsky of Winston Salem, NC, and his daughter, Angela Layfield of Americus, GA. He loved his many grandchildren dearly. He is also survived by four sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Tom Goldsberry of Williamstown, NJ, Mary and Bob Myers of Cherry Hill, NJ, Helen and Ed Kolen of Brigatine, NJ, Cookie and Larry Deschler of Franklinville, NJ, one sister, Diane Sockwell of Franklinville, NJ, and three brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve and Elaine Matkowsky, Nicholas and Nancy Matkowsky, and Frank and Jean Matkowsky, all of Williamstown, NJ. He loved his many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be his son, Britt Matkowsky, his son-in-law, Gary Baxter, his grandsons, Adam Layfield and Matthew Baxter, good friends Sam English and Donnie English, and his grandaughter’s significant others, Gant Graves and Luke Gordon. To pay your online condolences, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com. Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee Street, Americus, GA is in charge of arrangements.