Gregory Joseph Jancich, a true Renaissance man, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. Greg was born on April 25,1936 to Danica and Gabriel Jancich. He graduated from Whiting High School in 1954 where he excelled in three sports: basketball, baseball and football. At an early age, heContinue Reading
Gregory Joseph Jancich, a true Renaissance man, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. Greg was born on April 25,1936 to Danica and Gabriel Jancich. He graduated from Whiting High School in 1954 where he excelled in three sports: basketball, baseball and football. At an early age, he began to develop his life’s passions, which included reading, drawing, and exploring nature.
In 1954, Greg was awarded a scholarship to St. Joseph’s College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History. In 1970, he was inducted into the St. Joseph’s Sports Hall of Fame for both baseball and basketball. He went on to play six seasons of baseball as a pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization while serving in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Greg began his teaching and coaching career at Hammond Morton High School in 1963. At Morton, he coached baseball and basketball, becoming head baseball coach in 1984. He led the team to four sectional championships and two Lake Shore Conference titles while helping to develop several major league prospects. In 2008, he was inducted into the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame.
Teaching was one of his life’s passions. At Morton, he taught economics and government, where his booming voice filled the classroom walls for 50 years. In 1986, he was awarded Teacher of the Year. Upon retirement at age 76, Greg stated: “I always went to work in the morning with a smile on my face because I loved teaching so much. I enjoyed going to school, I really did. Teaching was special.”
Thanks to the efforts of Scott Lush, the Hammond Morton Baseball Field was named GEORGAS/JANCICH Field in honor of the two former Morton head baseball coaches, Jack Georgas and Greg. On May 10, 2019, Greg, along with players, students, administration, family and friends attended the dedication ceremony.
Greg is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 37 years, Helen Siukola Jancich; the mother of his children, Lois Jancich; daughter, Gabrielle (Tim d); sons, Matthew (Shannon); Joel (Nancy); Luke (Michelle) Jancich; stepson, John Slivka; grandchildren, Alexandra, Catherine, James and Nevin Smith; Sophie, Max, Indiana, Jordan, Talia, Nola, Everett and Harper Jancich; sister, Rose Gacsko; brother, Robert (Gail) Jancich, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by father, Gabriel Jancich; mother, Danica Jancich, mother-in-law, Sadie Siukola; brother-in-law, Robert Gacsko; sister-in-law, Pat Jancich; brother-in-law, John Siukola, stepson, Mark Slivka; and son-in-law, Timothy Smith.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 4 to 8 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. The Celebration of Greg’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Members of the Morton Governor family are encouraged to wear Governor gear in honor of Coach/Mr. J on Friday and/or Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Drive, Munster, IN 46321, would be appreciated.
Thade Correa
left a message on June 17, 2019:
It's with a heavy heart that I'd like to share a letter I wrote to Mr. J a few weeks ago. My deepest condolences for the loss of such a great person. He will be missed. Sincerely,Thade CorreaDear Mr. J,My name is Thade Correa. I'm not sure if you remember me; I'm a Morton grad from 2001. I had friends who had you as a teacher, though I never did. I play piano and, now, I teach both music and English. I had Mrs. Maicher for AP English my senior year, and I fondly remember that the two of you had some kind of inside joke with one another. I never understood it, but I witnessed both of you tossing a baseball bat into the other's room (occasionally aided by students, of course). Perhaps you remember this. I found it hilarious and touching, and I still recall it because it seemed to me to speak of traits of warmth, friendliness, camaraderie, and good humor that both you and Mrs. Maicher shared. When I heard you were sick I wanted to write you immediately to express my deep concern, appreciation, and celebration of who you are and the fact that I know you've touched many lives. Though I never had you as a teacher, you always said hi to me and greeted me whenever you saw me walking through the hall. You knew my name and you always smiled at me--warmly, genuinely, and kindly. I mention this because everyone I know remembers you this way: warm, genuine, kind. Everyone I know has a drop-to-your-knees-with-laughter story about you. I wished I'd been able to take your class just to have known you better.I want to say thank you for doing what the best teachers do best--caring about the world and all the other people in it. As a student then, and as a teacher myself, now, I know that you have given countless people an immense gift: that of your utterly remarkable, unique, and wonderful presence. Thank you for the blessing that you are.From my heart to yours,Thade Correa
June Knight Shassere
left a message on June 16, 2019:
Dear Helen, I know you will share these emailed comments with other family members. Your end-of-life plans for your husband were well crafted, giving him the send-off he deserved and, I hope, the comfort you and all the family will need. Thank you for the many pictures and comments you have posted over the years, telling what a great man he was and how you honored and loved him. My sincere condolences, June Knight Shassere
June Knight Shassere
left a message on June 16, 2019:
Not to be forgotten
Amber Gurley-Junkin
left a message on June 15, 2019:
I will never forget you! Best teacher ever!
Tim Fassnacht
left a message on June 13, 2019:
My condolences to all. Bummer has told stories of this great man...all good i assure you! God bless!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Tim Fassnacht
left a message on June 13, 2019:
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Bummer has told me stories about this great fellow. All good...i assure you. God bless you all!
Darrel Chaney
left a message on June 13, 2019:
He impacted my life for sure. Told the Cincinnati Reds to draft me. Forever grateful! Coach was a good man who served his country well, loved teaching and loved baseball. He lived a wonderful life and we will all miss him. May the peace and comfort only God can provide at times like this, be with Helen and the family.
Karen Rawls
left a message on June 11, 2019:
Greg and myself met as nursing assistant and patient!!! Being apart of Nursing for 30 years I've never encountered or established a relationship with such a remarkable man. I adopted Greg as my Dad!! Such a Magnificent Man. Deepest Condolences to his entire family!!
Mike Scharnke Jr.
left a message on June 10, 2019:
When you are a 15-18 year old kid you never think about positive influences. Well i never did. Then i meet this teacher/baseball coach called Mr. J!!! This guy is nuts i said to myself. Face in the dirt at home plate at Morton. Looks up at us with dort on his face and screams God I Love Baseball!!! I was hooked. I had the honor to play for him for 3 years. My only regret is we didn't win every game for him. Rest easy Big Ogre till we meet again. Love You!
George M. Lux
left a message on June 9, 2019:
Greg and I played on the St Joseph's College basketball team back in the "50's.I can still see his great 1 hand set shot that hammered Valparaiso at Valpo. Greg was a great teammate for 4 years and a help in our study group.
Tammy Banks Deavours
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Big man with a big heart. Wish I had paid more attention in Civics class. Was the last hour of the day. The only thing I remember was the sound of my text book hitting the floor when I fell asleep in Class! I’m sure there will be many rewards in heaven all of the lives you touched here on earth.
Julie Grunza Butler
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Mr J was a great teacher - one that a profound impact on every student he taught, every player he coached. I remember being so scared to be in his classroom, but he ended up being my favorite teacher. One I never forgot. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Gene and Pat Lush
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Thank you Coach J for helping us to mold our son, Scotty, to be the good man that he is today!! May Angels wings lift you up to the gates of heaven! Our most dear condolences!❤️❤️❤️
Marc Bukowski
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Coach definitely had an impact. Will remember because he helped create the Glory Days in so many lives. May the Peace of God the Father be with him in his rest.1978 Regional Baseball Champions
Kara Burr Orosz
left a message on June 8, 2019:
He was an amazing teacher and was well respected.
Jean Clune
left a message on June 7, 2019:
So sorry for your loss. He had a great family and the love of many.
David Runyan
left a message on June 7, 2019:
Mr. J was my favorite teacher in high school and I still tell stories about him today. He was a great man that positively impacted many of his students. I can picture him now sneaking up and yelling at some angel for not paying attention. Condolences and prayers for his family.
Alice Mendoza-Pyles
left a message on June 7, 2019:
I remember having another class on the 2nd floor and hearing MR. J in his room..downstairs! I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of having him as a teacher. The next year I got that pleasure. I remember being scared as I had only ever heard him but hadn’t yet sat in his classroom. He turned out to be one of my favorite teachers of all my academic years. He wasn’t one for BS or sugar coating things, always telling it like it was but I appreciated that and wish more teachers had done the same. He was an amazing teacher and his love of politics, economics and history shown through with the passion he had for teaching these subjects. You will be missed Mr J. My thoughts are with your family. Alice Mendoza Class of 93.
Anne Lashenik
left a message on June 7, 2019:
I am from the class of 1989. Mr Jancich was a class act. He did not go for BS and did sugar coat what life would be like for us after graduation. I was very happy to see him at our 20 year reunion. He will be forever in my heart. My condolenscenses to his family...
Charles Weaver
left a message on June 7, 2019:
I remember I was nervous when I first had him as a teacher afraid that I was not going to live up to my potential but you ensured me not only that I would do all right in your class, but I would be all right in life as well. Thank you for believing in me and I hope I am making you proud.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Ollie Gajewski
left a message on June 6, 2019:
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Jancich was one of my high school teachers, class of 1997. My fondest of thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort during this most difficult time. He was a great teacher, and truly a remarkable guy.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Thade Correa
left a message on June 17, 2019:
It's with a heavy heart that I'd like to share a letter I wrote to Mr. J a few weeks ago. My deepest condolences for the loss of such a great person. He will be missed. Sincerely,Thade CorreaDear Mr. J,My name is Thade Correa. I'm not sure if you remember me; I'm a Morton grad from 2001. I had friends who had you as a teacher, though I never did. I play piano and, now, I teach both music and English. I had Mrs. Maicher for AP English my senior year, and I fondly remember that the two of you had some kind of inside joke with one another. I never understood it, but I witnessed both of you tossing a baseball bat into the other's room (occasionally aided by students, of course). Perhaps you remember this. I found it hilarious and touching, and I still recall it because it seemed to me to speak of traits of warmth, friendliness, camaraderie, and good humor that both you and Mrs. Maicher shared. When I heard you were sick I wanted to write you immediately to express my deep concern, appreciation, and celebration of who you are and the fact that I know you've touched many lives. Though I never had you as a teacher, you always said hi to me and greeted me whenever you saw me walking through the hall. You knew my name and you always smiled at me--warmly, genuinely, and kindly. I mention this because everyone I know remembers you this way: warm, genuine, kind. Everyone I know has a drop-to-your-knees-with-laughter story about you. I wished I'd been able to take your class just to have known you better.I want to say thank you for doing what the best teachers do best--caring about the world and all the other people in it. As a student then, and as a teacher myself, now, I know that you have given countless people an immense gift: that of your utterly remarkable, unique, and wonderful presence. Thank you for the blessing that you are.From my heart to yours,Thade Correa
June Knight Shassere
left a message on June 16, 2019:
Dear Helen, I know you will share these emailed comments with other family members. Your end-of-life plans for your husband were well crafted, giving him the send-off he deserved and, I hope, the comfort you and all the family will need. Thank you for the many pictures and comments you have posted over the years, telling what a great man he was and how you honored and loved him. My sincere condolences, June Knight Shassere
June Knight Shassere
left a message on June 16, 2019:
Not to be forgotten
Amber Gurley-Junkin
left a message on June 15, 2019:
I will never forget you! Best teacher ever!
Tim Fassnacht
left a message on June 13, 2019:
My condolences to all. Bummer has told stories of this great man...all good i assure you! God bless!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Tim Fassnacht
left a message on June 13, 2019:
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Bummer has told me stories about this great fellow. All good...i assure you. God bless you all!
Darrel Chaney
left a message on June 13, 2019:
He impacted my life for sure. Told the Cincinnati Reds to draft me. Forever grateful! Coach was a good man who served his country well, loved teaching and loved baseball. He lived a wonderful life and we will all miss him. May the peace and comfort only God can provide at times like this, be with Helen and the family.
Karen Rawls
left a message on June 11, 2019:
Greg and myself met as nursing assistant and patient!!! Being apart of Nursing for 30 years I've never encountered or established a relationship with such a remarkable man. I adopted Greg as my Dad!! Such a Magnificent Man. Deepest Condolences to his entire family!!
Mike Scharnke Jr.
left a message on June 10, 2019:
When you are a 15-18 year old kid you never think about positive influences. Well i never did. Then i meet this teacher/baseball coach called Mr. J!!! This guy is nuts i said to myself. Face in the dirt at home plate at Morton. Looks up at us with dort on his face and screams God I Love Baseball!!! I was hooked. I had the honor to play for him for 3 years. My only regret is we didn't win every game for him. Rest easy Big Ogre till we meet again. Love You!
George M. Lux
left a message on June 9, 2019:
Greg and I played on the St Joseph's College basketball team back in the "50's.I can still see his great 1 hand set shot that hammered Valparaiso at Valpo. Greg was a great teammate for 4 years and a help in our study group.
Tammy Banks Deavours
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Big man with a big heart. Wish I had paid more attention in Civics class. Was the last hour of the day. The only thing I remember was the sound of my text book hitting the floor when I fell asleep in Class! I’m sure there will be many rewards in heaven all of the lives you touched here on earth.
Julie Grunza Butler
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Mr J was a great teacher - one that a profound impact on every student he taught, every player he coached. I remember being so scared to be in his classroom, but he ended up being my favorite teacher. One I never forgot. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Gene and Pat Lush
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Thank you Coach J for helping us to mold our son, Scotty, to be the good man that he is today!! May Angels wings lift you up to the gates of heaven! Our most dear condolences!❤️❤️❤️
Marc Bukowski
left a message on June 8, 2019:
Coach definitely had an impact. Will remember because he helped create the Glory Days in so many lives. May the Peace of God the Father be with him in his rest.1978 Regional Baseball Champions
Kara Burr Orosz
left a message on June 8, 2019:
He was an amazing teacher and was well respected.
Jean Clune
left a message on June 7, 2019:
So sorry for your loss. He had a great family and the love of many.
David Runyan
left a message on June 7, 2019:
Mr. J was my favorite teacher in high school and I still tell stories about him today. He was a great man that positively impacted many of his students. I can picture him now sneaking up and yelling at some angel for not paying attention. Condolences and prayers for his family.
Alice Mendoza-Pyles
left a message on June 7, 2019:
I remember having another class on the 2nd floor and hearing MR. J in his room..downstairs! I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of having him as a teacher. The next year I got that pleasure. I remember being scared as I had only ever heard him but hadn’t yet sat in his classroom. He turned out to be one of my favorite teachers of all my academic years. He wasn’t one for BS or sugar coating things, always telling it like it was but I appreciated that and wish more teachers had done the same. He was an amazing teacher and his love of politics, economics and history shown through with the passion he had for teaching these subjects. You will be missed Mr J. My thoughts are with your family. Alice Mendoza Class of 93.
Anne Lashenik
left a message on June 7, 2019:
I am from the class of 1989. Mr Jancich was a class act. He did not go for BS and did sugar coat what life would be like for us after graduation. I was very happy to see him at our 20 year reunion. He will be forever in my heart. My condolenscenses to his family...
Charles Weaver
left a message on June 7, 2019:
I remember I was nervous when I first had him as a teacher afraid that I was not going to live up to my potential but you ensured me not only that I would do all right in your class, but I would be all right in life as well. Thank you for believing in me and I hope I am making you proud.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Ollie Gajewski
left a message on June 6, 2019:
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Jancich was one of my high school teachers, class of 1997. My fondest of thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort during this most difficult time. He was a great teacher, and truly a remarkable guy.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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