Funeral Details Finalized for Jack Tosh, 79, of Elmhurst

Funeral arrangements have been finalized for Jack Tosh, 79, of Elmhurst. Mr. Tosh died Monday, Feb. 11. He was a former coach and athletic director at York High School, and he served as a 1st Lt. in the Marine Corps.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Road in Elmhurst. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in the Campbell Gym at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Private interment will be at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated for the Jack A. Tosh Memorial Fund to benefit high school student athletes and animal organizations.

On Monday, York Principal Diana Smith released a statement  expressing how much Tosh meant to staff members at Elmhurst District 205 and to the Elmhurst Community.

And the following information can be found in the Jack Tosh Basketball Tournament Program:

"Jack Tosh came to York as Assistant Director of Administration in 1974 following an outstanding career as a student athlete, soldier athlete, educator, winning coach and administrator.

As a student at Decatur High School, Jack played baseball, basketball and football and was coached by the legendary Gay Kintner, who influenced Jack to make teaching and coaching his future career.

Jack lettered in baseball at Northwestern University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. During his two years in the Marines (1955-1957) Jack was a member of the All-Marine Championship Baseball Team and was also selected to play on the All-Marine Baseball Squad. Following his honorable discharge in 1957, Jack was a captain in the Marine Reserves while he taught [physical education] in Evanston. He received his [master's] degree from Northwestern in 1963.

In the fall of 1960, Jack taught physical education and coached football, basketball and baseball at Evanston High School, where he was twice inducted into the ETHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jack continued teaching PE and coaching football, baseball, basketball and golf at DeKalb High School, starting there in 1967. He also served as Athletic Director for four years and directed the DeKalb Holiday Tournament for seven years.

Jack came to York as assistant director of administration in 1974. Jack became athletic director in 1975 and served in that capacity for 18 years, during which he also worked with the varsity basketball team and was an assistant football coach. He also coached the varsity golf team for a year and assisted the baseball team for eight years.

Jack initiated the York Turkey Tournament, the York Holiday Tournament and the York Holiday Festival, later renamed the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic. While Jack was athletic director, York teams won 61 West Suburban Conference Championships, 68 Regional, 38 Sectional and 10 State titles, including one in girls basketball.

Among his many recognitions Jack was elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1989, and in 2001 he won the Buzzy O’Connor Award, the IBCA’s highest award. He also served as president of the Intersuburban Basketball Association in 1978-1979. Jack retired in 1990.

Clearly, Jack Tosh is one of the most successful coaches in Illinois history. He has won the respect and admiration of his fellow coaches and student athletes, alike. His outstanding record will be honored and remembered at York for many years to come."

Mr. Tosh was married for 59 years to Benette "Bee," and was the father to Stephen (Diane) Tosh, Lisa (Clay) Parcells and Linda Tosh. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Brett (Diana), Lauren (Jason), Courtney, Sarah, Nicholas, Logan and Katrina; his brother, David (Dina) Tosh; and his pets, Seven and Addy.

Source: York High School