Longtime track and field coach Jack VanDeman (Cheraw) passed away Feb. 6. VanDeman, born Sept. 3, 1947, was a lifelong educator, coach, mentor and competitor whose influence spanned education, athletics and community service for more than 40 years, according to the published obituary.
VanDeman graduated in 1965 from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J., where he ran track and played football. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. in 1969 and later earned his Masters in Administration at Winthrop.
Introducing cross country to students, VanDeman was a teacher and coach at Chesterfield Junior High School before his move to Chesterfield.
Coaching record and honors
15 state champions in pole vault
40 years of service at South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association
Active member of South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (SCTCCCA) and USATF- South Carolina
SCTCCCA hall of fame member
Life achievement award from USATF-S.C.
"The SCTCCCA is saddened by the passing of Coach Jack VanDeman," said the SCTCCCA in a statement. "As a dedicated member of the SCTCCCA, Coach was devoted to advancing cross country and track and field in South Carolina. His impact on the sport, as well as all the coaches and athletes he influenced will always be remembered. Coach VanDeman was a member of the SCTCCCA Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the VanDeman family and the Cheraw High School community."
Athlete shares memory
"Coach Van Deman
You saw something in a gangly 9th grader many moons ago that ignited a fire in me to this day.
From the first cross country practice, where I sprinted for 3 miles on Hwy 9 only to be told turn back around and head back to the high school! You believed in me, supported me and instilled a sense to where I could do all things.
As I ran this morning, I thought of those hill repeats, sandy dirt road runs, and the joy you had when I turned in a #1 stick to you after a cross country race.
High school coaches can trigger some incredible emotions in a young man. Winning or losing, you taught me about life and to this day I'm grateful for it.
After retirement
After retiring from the Chesterfield County School District following 40 years of service, VanDeman remained active in athletics. He continued coaching for three additional years and went on to officiate both youth and college track meets and time cross country events through 2024.
During summers away from school, VanDeman pursued another lifelong passion- hydroplane racing. His love of boats was fueled by working at his father's marina in Long Branch, N.J., and his first race was at the age of 15, according the obituary.
Services
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Cheraw, on Wednesday at 2 p.m., with visitation in the church parlor beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at St. David's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 117 3rd Street, Cheraw, SC 29520, National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or a charitable organization of your choice.
VanDeman is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Hurst Van Deman; his son, John Frank Van Deman III, MD of Greenville, SC; his sister, Kim Van Deman of Littleton, CO, special friends, Leland Assef and Tracy Hellman and numerous other friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Remembering Jack VanDeman
"Jack and I became good friends and he was a mentor to me as I started coaching XC in 2011. I got pulled into as the AD and current coach knew I was an avid runner. Other than my own training, I didn't know anything about coaching XC. Jack became a great resource in training plans as well as navigating scmilesplit. His teams were the bar our teams would shoot for in our region. After his retirement, he timed all of our XC meets and continued to mentor me and the runners I coached always showing an interest in them. Jack will be greatly missed in the sport of running in Chesterfield County and the state of SC. His influence touched many." -- Coach Joel Dale, Central High, Pageland
Dr. Joel Dale
Senior Pastor, FBC Pageland
"I have very vivid recollections of working some Upper State Pole Vault Championships with him. He was very knowledgeable about that event as well as Track and Field in general. We had talks about technique and drills for Pole Vaulters. A true advocate for the sport and a super nice guy."
All the best,
Longtime track and field coach Jack VanDeman (Cheraw) passed away Feb. 6. VanDeman, born Sept. 3, 1947, was a lifelong educator, coach, mentor and competitor whose influence spanned education, athletics and community service for more than 40 years, according to the published obituary.
VanDeman graduated in 1965 from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J., where he ran track and played football. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. in 1969 and later earned his Masters in Administration at Winthrop.
Introducing cross country to students, VanDeman was a teacher and coach at Chesterfield Junior High School before his move to Chesterfield.
Coaching record and honors
