Jack Lamabe, 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at his home in Baton Rouge. A major league pitcher, known as "Tomatoes" to his friends, Jack proudly pitched and coached in two World Series, was the head baseball coach at LSU, then coached for the Rockies and the Padres before he retired. He was an inspirational mentor of many young athletes and taught them not only how to play the game, but how to be honorable. He did it by example. Jack's love was for more than baseball. He was, above all, a loving and loved husband to his wife and best friend, Janet, the great Daddy of John and Jennifer, daughter-in-law, Stacey Lamabe, and Grandfather to Sarah and Alex. He was so very proud of the wonderful family he deserved. He was a rare good man. He was the son of Susie O'Rourke and John McVene Lamabe and son-in-law of Eleanor and Richard Berta. Jack was a graduate of Springfield College, where he received his master of science in physical education. He was also an honorably discharged U.S. Marine Corps veteran and never missed a game. Jack's service will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Friends may pay respects from 10:45 a.m. until the Mass at noon by Monsignor Gerald Lefevre, a family friend. Committal will be in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Arthritis Foundation, Scleroderma Foundation, American Diabetes Foundation, or the charity that warms your heart will be appreciated. Arrangements by Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway. Sign the online guestbook at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.
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Janet John And Jennifer:
I know it is coming up on Jacks passing shortly and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed meeting him and playing racquet ball with him. He was a really nice person and never on campus let his professional baseball success get in the way of speaking with others. It´s is amazing that he got I believe a Masters and possible a BA while playing MLB.
I have initiated with Jim Bates´79
that The Triangle do a story on Jack as thee only Springfield College graduate to play MLB in the history of the college - well over100 years.
I am sure he has been missed by many family , friends , and fellow baseball colleagues .He upheld the college motto of ; Body Mind And Spitit.
Respectfully,
David Behrend´´64
Springfield College
David Behrend
School
December 16, 2023
Dear Janet,
Had it not been for Coach I would have not had the opportunity to play baseball on the College level. He taught me more about respect for the game and the integrity that is lacking today. I am fortunate to be able to pass along to others what Coach gave me so freely. Thanks to Coach and his influence, I am raising my family it Baton Rouge. I have many memories to share with others. Coach taught me not only to be a better player but a better person as well. A Coach, father, husband and friend.
Mash Bonadona
January 15, 2008
Years ago Mr. Jack would hold a baseball clinic in the Brusly/Port Allen area. Our son, Ronnie, attended those clinics. I thought then what a wonderful truly good person Mr. Jack was. I feel we were blessed to get to see him at work in these clinics. So kind and so gentle. May our Lord Jesus enford His arms around you and hold you close during this time.
Larry and Veta Stokes
January 14, 2008
John, Very sorry for your guys loss of a truely great soul. I have only fond memories of you guys. The ball boys.
Chad Brannon
January 5, 2008
Ms. Janet,
Sorry for your loss. Thank you for entrusting Mr. Jack into our care. It was an honor to have known such a great man.
Michael Shannon
January 2, 2008
Mrs.Janet,
Sorry for your loss. Mr Jack is in Baseball Heaven!I am honored to have met and known such a truly remarkable hero. I will miss him .
Nicole Phillips
December 29, 2007
Janet,
The obit says it all. A rare combination of character traits in a wonderful man. God Bless You and you family.
werner kleemann
December 27, 2007
Janet, Jennifer and John:
I am deeply saddened by Coach Lamabe's passing. I played for Coach Lamabe at LSU. I was always grateful and appreciative of the opportunity he gave me to come to LSU from the moment I first met him. He was truly a caring gentleman and a pleasure to play for. While I pray for God to bless your family, I can say that I was blessed to have Coach be a part of my life.
Bill Wiesler
December 27, 2007
Jen --
I am so sad for you, I can't even imagine how hard this must be. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you!
Darcy Kirk
December 27, 2007
John and Stacy,
On behalf of the Sheets family I want to express my condolences. It's been many many years since I've seen your father but he is truly an unforgettable man. May it help today to know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. We are touched and saddened by your loss.
With our deepest sympathy,
God bless you and your family
Traci (Sheets) St.Pierre
December 26, 2007
Dear Janet, Jennifer and John,
We do want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jack was a great person and a very caring man. We have lost a great friend but he will live on forever in our hearts.
Nelson and Anne Malpica
December 26, 2007
"COACH"
MAY YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE.
HUGS & KISSES,
KAY PASCHAL
KAY PASCHAL
December 26, 2007
To Mrs. Lamabe, John and Jennifer,
Your loss is my loss as well. While we lived near you, Mr. Jack was very kind to us and was an inspiration while we were growing up. His eyes would always light up when me or Trent would walk in the door. I do miss his kindness and I regret I didn't visit enough.
I love you all very much.
Kaya Leach
December 26, 2007
Lamabe Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May you find comfort in our Lord.
Sciortino Family
December 26, 2007
John, Stacey & Alex:
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad/grandpa. Your all in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if thre is anthing we can do for any of you.
Dale (& Cindy) Dion
December 26, 2007
This is so very strange....but things like this happen to me all the time.
Although I haven't really though about him in some time.....for some reason Jack Lamabe's name just popped into my head.
So since I have learned to listen to my inner voice, I did a Google search for him.
I am shocked to learn that he just passed away the other day.
I remember having him as a substitute teacher in the Farmingdale School District sometime between 1969 to 1971. I enjoyed walking into the classroom and seeing him there. I found him to be a very wonderful gentleman, who had a very charming way to recall interesting stories about his life, including baseball.
I also find it somewhat chilling, that he died at the age of 71....which was also the year that I graduated from Farmingdale High School.
I wish his family all of my heartfelt condolences, and the knowledge that he did touch so many lives in such a good way.
It is amazing, but different people do cross our paths for different reasons at different times in our lives.
Steven Dunkel
December 26, 2007
Jen & Family...
So sorry to hear of your Dad's death. I know that this will be a sad holiday time for you and your family, but have faith, time will heal and you will go on. Jolynn told me what a dear your Dad was, and by his obit, he was a man of a lot of interests....just know you and your family are in our prayers and strength comes from prayers..
Take care of yourself.
Hugs, Mary Beth Tatman-Sloane
(Jolynn's mother in law)
Beth Tatman- Sloane
December 26, 2007
John and Jen,
I was so sorry to hear about your daddy. I know you will miss him so. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie (Baker) Celestin
December 26, 2007
John
I am so sorry for your loss There is nothing that anyone can say or do to make it better, just remember the memories that you had with him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin and Holly Carlock
Holly Carlock
December 26, 2007
Janet, John, and Jennifer;
I am saddened by the news of Jack's passing. He was a caring mentor and treasured friend to so many. I am thankful for the part he played in my life. The memory of his kindness will live in my heart forever. May God bless you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Glenn Aspinwall
December 25, 2007
Jen and family,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Jen, you are the best and I know apples don't fall far from trees, so that definitely means, Dad was the best!! I know I am 1100 miles away, but I am here for you. My hugs are coming to you and your family from Indiana. Friendship forever. Take care and I will be in touch.
Tammy Swords & Jerry
December 25, 2007
Ms. Janet, John, Jennifer, Stacey, Sarah, and Alex,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know that you all will share a lifetime of great memories.
Paul Fletcher
December 25, 2007
Dear Jen,
Please know that I am thinking of you and your family. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, I truly know the kind of man he was by the way you live your life, the things you do for others and the passion and compassion you have for anyone who crosses your path. Know that your parent's teachings are evident in every facet of your life. What a peaceful feeling. May God bless you and your family at this time. Know that if you need anything, I am a phone call away. I love you, my friend.
Kari Bensend
December 25, 2007
Mrs. Janet, John, Jennifer, Stacey, Sarah, and Alex,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. John, we know how much you loved your dad, and how much you will miss him. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack, Kim, and Jacky Mitchell
December 25, 2007
Dear Jen and family,
We love you very much and are thinking of you. May God bless each of you and give you peace.
Centennial Coaches
December 25, 2007
Dear Janet, John, Jennifer
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Lamabe. I played for Coach at LSU. I will always remember his quiet confidence and his positive outlook despite the situation. He was a true gentleman and was always willing to help others. Upon graduation, he helped me get my first job.
Thanks for the memories and may God continue to bless you.
Gary Joseph
December 25, 2007
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sage Rehabilitation Hospital
December 24, 2007
Dear Janet, Jennifer and John,
I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He truly was that "rare good man". Each of you serves as a tribute to the wonderful character and loving nature that he so willingly shared. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God's Peace.
Carol Boudreaux
December 24, 2007
Janet,
I was very sad when I heard that Coach had passed away.
I played under coach in 1981 and 1982.
Coach was the reason I signed with LSU. I never regretted the decision.
God Bless you and your family!
Bill Freidhof
December 24, 2007
Dearest Aunt Janet, John and Jennifer,
To say the world has lost a wonderful man would be an understatement. He was and still is an inspiration to all who knew him. As the memories come rushing in, all are good, and even with the empty feeling I had when I heard of his passing, I couldn't help but smile a bit. A dedicated family man with room in his heart for all, especially the kids, you didn't just know Jack Lamabe, you loved Jack Lamabe. The hearty laugh, and fun personality came so naturally to him. Those big hands! I remember John and Jen's little hands seemed so lost in them when they were little! He loved you both so much, a reflection of the unconditional love he had for you Aunt Janet. Santa! Baseball games and Bubble gum! All the TV's on in the house during playoffs, and Flyers games! He gave the best hugs! These are just a few of the memories I have of him. Aunt Janet you are so right, he was so much more than baseball! I'm sure the grandchildren were the light of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time, and always.
Love,
Kathy
Kathy (Preston) Freund
December 24, 2007
Our sympathy and prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
Darrell, Angele, Amanda & Daniel Ourso
December 24, 2007
Mrs Janet, John, Stacey, Sara, Alex and Jennifer, what can I say? We have lost someone who was very special to our family. But we all know that "COACH" is in a much better place now. We didn't see him much but when we did he always had a smile to share and was eager to discuss whatever sport he was watching on TV. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will never be forgotten. May the wonderful memories you have help you to get through this most difficult time in your lives and know that he will always be looking down on you all.
WE LOVE YOU "COACH"
Mike, Kay and Matthew Paschal
Kay Paschal
December 23, 2007
Coach, you just don't know what you meant to me. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Jeff
Jeff Evans
December 23, 2007
John, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry that I'm not there for you as you have been for me so many times. Know that you are not far in my heart.
Love,
Mo
Melissa
December 23, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Julie and DJ Loland
December 23, 2007
As big a part of LSU baseball as anyone. We have lost a member of our family. He will be missed by everyone.
Rick Greene
December 23, 2007
WE LOVE YOU DAD-GRANDPA, Our best friend.
J LAMABE
December 23, 2007
beloved mentor
Brent & Brock Suriano
December 23, 2007
forever in our hearts
Don & Linda Suriano
December 23, 2007
Berta, John, and Jen,
My thoughts are with all of you and I am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for all of you.
Jolynn Sloane
December 23, 2007
luther and catherine simon
December 22, 2007
Berta, John, and Jen,
I am thinking of you all and am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for all of you.
Jolynn
Jolynn Sloane
December 22, 2007
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