John "Jack" S. Stanton

John Seelbach Stanton passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, in the presence of loved ones.  John (Jack) was born on February 8, 1934, to Frank White Stanton and Marie Seelbach Stanton in Chagrin Falls, OH where he spent his childhood years in the company of his three older siblings, Will, Tom and James.  As a proud resident of the village community, Jack attended Chagrin Falls schools from K-12 and graduated in 1952 where he earned varsity letters in track & field, football, and basketball. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in 1956 where he also a varsity football letterman and proudly served as President of Kappa Sigma Pi.  

His profound understanding of the importance of education combined with his passion for learning guided his desire to pursue post graduate work at the University of Nebraska, Michigan State University and John Carroll University. 

His hard work, determination, and talents fueled his interest in military service. He enlisted in the United States Army from 1957-1959 (USAR SIG C), where he specialized in satellite engineering and was an active member of the football team.

Jack married Elinor Marie Jackson on December 29, 1960. They enjoyed an amazing and loving partnership for 57 years. Together, Jack and Nora’s passionate desire to build a strong family dynamic was a reflection of their unique and heartfelt ideals which was evident through their successful ability in raising their large and diverse family as examples of intention and dedicated providers. Their practice of compassion combined with sense of duty inspired them (and others) to recognize the importance of contribution by raising their children and an unlimited amount of animals, large and small, on their Chagrin Falls homestead for many beautiful years.

Jack is survived by his seven children: Mary (Kevin) Parker, Martha (James) Evans, Margo (Donald) Schneider, Mark Joseph (Jackie) Stanton, Matthew Stanton, Maria Stanton & Dawn (David Seman) Stanton. He was the doting grandfather of twelve: Kailey Beck, Daniel Parker, Elizabeth Yokum, Katie Evans, William Evans, Torren Stanton, Elena Seman, Taylor Stanton, Andrew Schneider, Zoe Schneider, Tieghan Stanton, Tatum Stanton, and great grandfather to Azriella Jane Evans.

Jack’s lifelong passion was teaching and coaching. He spent 29 years teaching math at CFHS and coaching (track & football) earning him CVC Track Coach of the Year honors (1971 & 1977) while leading numerous athletes to multiple conference championships and state finals appearances. He was a certified State of Ohio High School Track Official for decades and was a member of the CFHS Hall of Fame Committee. Jack was inducted into the Chagrin Falls Schools’ Athletic Hall of Fame on October 5, 1995. After retiring from Chagrin, Jack continued coaching at Berkshire High School where he helped the Badgers earn the title of ESC Football Champions in 1993. He then went on to coach track and football for the Newbury Black Nights, where he also enjoyed serving as a substitute teacher and tutor.  

Those that knew Jack were amazed by his genuine love of history, sports knowledge, appreciation of classical music & film, and his uncanny ability to remember faces, names, and dates of the people he encountered with a kind and classy offering of his witty sense of humor. He was unconditionally committed to being an honest and trusting person of service to all those around him. Jack enjoyed singing in the choir as a dedicated member of the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls and the Newbury United Community Church. He also enjoyed playing in the Babes of 1916 Senior Softball League, forging long lasting friendships, appreciating the natural beauty and wonder of wildflowers, exercising his fond respect for Abraham Lincoln, and performing one-of-a-kind farm repairs while rescuing displaced turtles along the way. “Your hero should be tall you know.” - JSS

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on November 5, 2023, at the Family Life Center,16349 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.  A private family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Chagrin Falls. Arrangements provided courtesy of Stroud - Lawrence Funeral Home (www.stroudlawrence.com). 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Jack to Chagrin Falls Meals On Wheels Inc. or Rescue Village.

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