Jack Stanford

Jack B. Stanford, 82, of Chattanooga, died on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.Jack was born in Chattanooga where he spent his early years before the family moved to Gadsden, Alabama. He was chosen by his classmates as Mr. Gadsden High and was a star football player at Gadsden High School. He was a graduate of the University of Chattanooga where he played on a football scholarship and met the love of his life and forever dance partner, Jody.Jack was a civic-minded community activist and generous volunteer wherever he and his family lived. After graduating from the University of Chattanooga, he was a teacher, Coach, Summer Camp Director, Admissions Director and Assistant Head master at Baylor School in Chattanooga from 1953 to 1972. He was then the Headmaster of Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, TN from 1972 to 1979 and President and Headmaster of The Hutchinson School in Memphis, TN from 1979 to 1995. During this period of time he was the first Independent School Head to serve as President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He also served as a Board Member of the Tennessee, Mid-South Southern and National Associations of Independent Schools.In his retirement, Jack continued working as a private educational consultant, Board Member, and as Interim Headmaster for numerous private independent schools. He never stopped working to better the lives and education of thousands of young people and served as mentor for numerous educational administrators.Jack was an active member of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga where he served as a deacon and the Waters Sunday School Class teacher. He was also a former member and Chairman of the deacons of First Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church in Memphis.He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nena Stanford; brother, William Chad Stanford; and sister, Midge Stanford Ingram.He remains in the hearts of his surviving family, including his lovely wife Jody; his daughters, Susan Beth Purifico and Dr. Lisa D. Stanford; his sons-in-laws, Bob Purifico, of Marlton, N.J., and James Bailey of Akron, Oh., and his G-Baby, Alisa. He is loved by all who had the privilege and honor of sharing life with him.Visitation will be today from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Baylor Dining Hall, Chattanooga, Tenn., followed by a 5 p.m. Memorial service today in the Baylor Chapel with Rev. Dan Scot officiating. A reception will follow at the headmasters home.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Baylor School, Presbyterian Day School, Hutchinson School, or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist. 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.