Jack Kay Gee, 99, a longtime Portsmouth resident, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at The Courtyard at Wheelersburg. Jack was born in Portsmouth on December 26, 1925, son of the late Elbert Curtis Gee and Lucille Van Meter Justice.
A true legend of the Portsmouth City Schools, Jack graduated from PHS in 1943 and returned to the City schools after serving in the armed services and furthering his education at the University of Cincinnati.
A Marine Corps veteran of World War II, Jack served in the Pacific Theater and in the last battle of WWII at Okinawa. He was discharged as a corporal and was awarded the American Victory Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one star, and the Presidential Unit Citation for his service. He also was a member of the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion.
At the University of Cincinnati, Jack played varsity baseball and was a member of the cross country team. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1950 and a Master of Science in Education degree in 1956. He was a life-long Bearcat sports fan.
After returning to Portsmouth, Jack worked for 36 years in the City schools as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He served as the PHS assistant principal from 1976-1980, and as principal of the former McKinley Middle School from 1980-1986. Beloved by student-athletes for years, he served as the PHS freshman football coach from 1956-1958, head football and basketball coach at McKinley from 1958-1965, assistant PHS backfield coach from 1965-1971, and junior varsity basketball coach from 1970-1976. Jack also managed the former Dreamland Pool in Portsmouth for ten years. A longtime member of All Saints Church, Jack served on the vestry for 12 years.
Surviving are his three children, Cynthia Gee Dragics of Grandview Heights, Terrance Arthur Gee of Laurelville, and Jenefer Gee Coombs of Clintonville; grandchildren Eric Davis, Ethan Gee, Christopher Dragics, and Ella Coombs; and special companion, Elizabeth Mounts of Portsmouth.
In addition to his parents, Jack was also preceded in death on November 25, 1999 by his former wife, Patricia Louise Steinmetz Gee.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 P.M. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at All Saints Episcopal Church with Rev. Gene Hallahan officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 4:30 P.M. until the service hour. Military rites will be conducted by the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s name may be made to the Portsmouth High School Athletic Department Football Program, 1225 Gallia St., Portsmouth OH 45662.
