Goddard tennis coach John Markham has died
Oct. 22, 2009 @ 1:04 p.m. by Joannaby joanna
Goddard tennis coach John Markham, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in late 2006, died this morning. Markham continued to coach and taught physical education at Goddard middle school.
Information concerning his funeral has not been released.
“He’s what every school deserves in any coach,” Wichita Collegiate tennis coach Dave Hawley said. “When you think of him, you think of first class in the way he lived his life.”
Goddard girls mom says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
It is a sad day. When the girls finished up with tennis last week, finishing the best they ever had, all the team went over to share their victory with their coach. What a strong statement of commitment and love they have for their coach. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family and his extended family here at Goddard.
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teldridge says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I never played tennis in my four years at Goddard. But I did establish somewhat of a personal relationship with Coach talking on the phone with him every Sunday for the last four years. I won’t pretend to know him as well as his former players, but I spent enough time around him to recognize his significance.
John Markham was more than a tennis coach at Goddard. John Markham was more than a physical education teacher at Goddard. Yes, he was much more. He was a living legend. Not everyone at Goddard played tennis, but everyone knew about him.
No, he won’t be remembered for all of the championships, all of the all-state players or having the fullest trophy case of any sport at Goddard. He meant much more to all of us than just a coach. And that’s saying something because he is a Hall of Famer in anyone’s book. But his impact reached farther than just the game, he made connections with everyone of his players. There are hundreds in mourning right now.
Tennis seasons will continue to come and pass, though they will truly never be the same. Today we lost one of the most inspirational figures any of us have ever met. He personified what it meant to fight the fight. His shear will to continue on was a constant reminder to all of us around him of hope, happiness and determination. To lose that is, well, devastating. Thanks for all the time, effort and work you put into helping us all out Coach. May you rest in peace.
Please keep the Markham family in your prayers.
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LadyLionsFan says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Wow, very well said Teldridge! I did not know him personally, but always heard good things about him. My prayers go out to his players, students and family!
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Janet Glaser says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
As a fellow coach, I feel very privileged to have known John these past ten years. There is not a more respected tennis coach at any level. John was calm and thoughtful. He knew how to laugh, and how to draw a laugh in even a tense situation. I always felt like a better person just by being around him. To say he will be missed is an understatement. John Markham will always be Goddard Tennis. My thoughts and prayers are with Tina, their children, and all family and friends. Janet Glaser
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Goddard Girl says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
A great man was lost today. He meant a lot to Goddard as a whole. He will be remembered for a very long time. God Bless you. My prayers go out to the Markham family.
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Simon Norman says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Known John and his family for 15 years. Class guy. Class family. There isn’t a tennis coach around who has come in contact with John who hasn’t learned from the great example he set in both coaching skills and life skills. Thanks John for the life lessons I learned from you. My prayers go out to your family and friends. God bless.
Simon Norman.
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taylorxbby says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
My prayers go out to the family and friends of a legend – Mr. Markham ; ? you will NEVER be forgotten and may you rest in peace in the best home any person could ever ask for. “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” – Psalm 55:22 ; you have not fallen, but risen to a better place. RIP COACH. you will be missed greatly by the Goddard Community.
I know how much he meant to so many people.. Boys and girls everywhere were in tears. Hearts were broken as the announcement filled the hallways of Goddard schools. You know it’s a devastating day at Goddard when a class full of students are completely silent, when on any normal day they are full of laughter and jokes. He was a great man, coach, teacher, and friend.
Students are wearing blue and red on Friday, October 23 to honor him because he liked KU. Black is being worn on the following Monday to honor his funeral.
He will be missed, but never forgotten. RIP Markham. We love you.
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Dylan Gurley says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 am
i felt honored to have had Coach Markham as a teacher and mentor in my middle school years and i kept in touch with him since then. He was a wonderful man and always had something good to say in even the most tense situations. He is in a better place and i believe that we are better for being able to know him. He made our little part of the world a better place. he was a great man and i am saddened by his leaving us. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk coach.
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It was an honor to know you says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
Coach, what you taught me as a tennis player goes far past the tennis court. Your respect and compassion are prime examples of what all men are called to be, but what only few can accomplish. I love you and may you rest in peace.
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Joanna says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
The funeral for John Markham is Monday, October 26, at 10 a.m. at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple St., Wichita.
Also, Goddard Middle School will be closed on Monday to allow students and staff to attend the funeral.
A memorial fund has been set up at Capitol Federal Savings. Send donations in care of John Markham Memorial Fund at Capitol Federal Savings, 10404 W. Central, Wichita, KS, 67212.
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Jeff Nordgren says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
It has been my honor and privilege to have known John Markham during my 14 years at Collegiate. I could list numerous useful and important coaching tips that I have picked up by observing him work with his players, but one general quality stands out among the particular: his actions, his words, his demeanor sent the same message – it was always about his players, his team, their successes, their welfare; it was never about him.
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Hannah H. says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 pm
It has been a pleasure knowing Coach Markham for many years. He went from a man I knew and respected, to a coach I knew and respected. It’s a great honor to be a part of his tennis team and I look forward to the years ahead when I continue to play in his legacy. My prayers go out to all my team mates and coaches’ friends and family. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
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Neal H. says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I had the pleasure of being members of both this men’s tennis team, as well as his basketball program when he first started coaching at GHS. Not only did he give me a opportunity to play on both of his teams, he also instilled confidence in myself to be all that I could be….on and off the court. I feel very fortunate to have known him and hope everybody keeps his family in their thoughts at this time. Go Blue!
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Tanner C. says:
October 24th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Men like Coach Markham deserve forever. I will always remember, not just the tennis lessons, but the life lessons that I have learned from him.. Although this is a terrible tragedy, Coach would want us to keep our heads up, and to feel grateful that his long and hard battle has finally come to an end.. He is at home now.
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Tanner C. says:
October 24th, 2009 at 12:14 am
deserve to live forever *
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D. Livingston says:
October 24th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I am truly sorry to hear of John’s passing, I have many memories fom Dodge City tennis. I was 3 or 4 years younger than John, but a couple days a week during tennis season he’d pick me up at the Jr. High and take me to practice at the Sr. High and because he was John it was okay. After practice we’d go for sodas and he always made me feel important. My favorite memory of John is when he was following in his Dad’s footsteps and coaching basketball in Sublette (or a nearby town) and I was in Jr. college and was hired to officiate the game. Prior to the game we met, he introduced me to his team, their respect and admiration was obvious and I knew he was instilling in these kids the same confidence he had given me. Unfortunately, when the game started, I did a horrible job and cost his team the game. He made me promise never to officiate any of his games. To his parents and family, he and you will be in our prayers. Although we hadn’t spoke in many years, I will miss him.
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Paul & Shirley Shelite says:
October 25th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I met John in 1974 when we became teammates at Dodge City Comm. College. He was the point guard on the basketball team and became a very good freind of mine. John was a true point guard, he was a leader, set high standards, very inspirational and motivated us as a team.
John was also a person who had alot of humor. We could be talking and John would give one of his chuckles and come back with a very whitty comment which made all of us laugh.
John left an impression that will always be remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tina and the family.
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wadefisher11 says:
October 26th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
What a great influence he is to so many, young and old.
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patrick says:
October 27th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
he was the best ever
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B Seidl says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
John was a Jr when I was a Sr playing hoops for his Dad at Dodge City. He was a clone of his Dad…. 2 words sum it up. Good people! It’s a shame we lose such quality people at a time this country needs good influences on our younger generation. Rest in Peace John.
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latest news says:
December 8th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Credit !! Very beneficial marker!
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