Former University of Iowa football letterman and administrator John “Jersey” Jermier passed away on April 12 at the age of 92. Jermier’s career began when he was appointed to Coach Frank Lauterbur’s initial football staff at Iowa, where he coached the defensive line in 1971. He later transitioned to athletic administration for the Hawkeyes from 1972 to 1976. During his time as assistant athletic director, he coordinated recruiting efforts, played a significant role in fundraising for the athletics department, and contributed to the creation of the I-Club.
After leaving Iowa, Jermier served as Kansas State’s director of athletics for two years before joining Topeka Inn Management, Inc., as Vice President-Director of Sales for another two years.
Jermier was a notable athlete during his college years at Coe College, participating in both baseball and football. He earned all-conference honors in 1957 and 1958 and was an All-NAIA District 15 selection in 1958. Additionally, he served as Vice President of his senior class and graduated Cum Laude in 1958.
Following graduation, Jermier became head football coach at Postville High School, leading them to a conference championship in 1959. His coaching career continued with roles as an assistant coach at Coe College and Wayne State College (Neb.), where he eventually became head coach for both baseball and football teams. At Wayne State, he achieved success with two football championships in 1965 and 1966 and four baseball conference titles between 1963 and 1967. Later on, he joined Colorado State University as an assistant football coach focusing on defense.
Before his collegiate achievements, Jermier graduated from Charles City High School and enlisted in the US Navy in October of 1950. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1954.
Jermier completed his undergraduate studies summa cum laude from Coe College in 1958 and obtained a master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1965.
A mass will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls on Thursday, April 24 at 10 am. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23 from 3-6 pm at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls with a rosary at 2:30 pm followed by a vigil concluding the visitation period. An additional visitation will occur one hour prior to mass at church.
