Jeffrey John Blanchard
Age 68 of Flint passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Jeffrey’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com. A memorial service will be held in the future and added to this obituary.
“Coach” was born on January 28, 1956, in Flint, Michigan, the son of John and Victoria (Gan) Blanchard. He graduated from Flint Central High School in 1974, where he excelled in academics and played on the basketball team. His love of sports started at a very young age and was his passion during his entire life. He graduated from University of Michigan – Flint with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He enjoyed playing hockey during his college years.
Jeff was a longtime coach of tennis, basketball, baseball and volleyball at Flint Southwestern Classical Academy, along with being a substitute teacher and assistant athletic director. He not only coached many students, but he also helped them. He truly cared about his students, and they loved him. Many kept in contact with him after graduation. He surpassed 300 wins as the girls’ tennis coach and was awarded Coach of the Year in 2014. In 2016, he would bring cases of bottled water to the tennis courts during the Flint water crisis. Coach always went the extra mile for his “kids.” His “kids” meant the world to him. Many students went on to college and professional sport careers. Flint Southwestern was his home.
He was a football announcer at both Atwood and Houston stadiums, and he called more than 2,000 basketball games for both Flint Southwestern and Mott Community College, offering unique information that was enjoyed by the spectators. He was also very involved with the CANUSA games for many years, where he supervised the softball program.
Jeff was “an iconic character” and had a unique sense of humor. He had the talent of impersonating people such as Howard Cosell, Jimmy Stewart and Louis Armstrong. He was a walking encyclopedia of sports trivia and astounded many with his detailed knowledge of sports. He was a huge fan of University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings.
Surviving Jeff is his brother, Robert Hoag of Flint; nieces Jennifer (Steven) McAvoy of Fishers, Indiana, and Meredith Hoag of Ypsilanti; grandnephew, Nate (Jordan) Poyfair of Miami, Oklahoma and grandniece Rachel Poyfair of Cincinnati, Ohio and several cousins. He also leaves behind many dear friends who meant the world to him.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
Memorial donations can be made to the George Finch Memorial Foundation through Sovita Credit Union in Flint, in Jeff’s name.
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Blanch — Rest well my friend. You were one of a kind!
My condolences to Jeff’s family. As one of his fellow coaches I witnessed firsthand how much his players loved him. They appreciated his commitment to keeping tennis alive in the Flint Schools. I will always remember how he provided new experiences to his players, such as bringing them to the Flint Tennis Club so they could play on clay.. Rest in Peace my Friend
Blanch/ Coach may you rest in peace. You will be missed. You were like a brother to me, Life is just not going to be the same without you around. İ am sure we will meet again. Oh by the way they forgot your second best impression and my favorite Jim İgnatowski from Taxi.
Awww Blanchard all the talks and walks we had from the gym to the outside. You were a rock for many at SWA for many years! May you rest and watch over everyone from above my friend!!!
Sending condolences to the family of Coach Blanchard, he was a pretty great guy and coach while I attended SWA. Always appreciated his humor and smile. RIH Coach.
Blanch was truly an awesome man. He loved Flint athletics and it truly was his biggest passion. I’ve known Blanch since I was a kid, around 8 years old and it was a pleasure knowing him. He cared so much about his “kids” and was just such a nice guy. He was one of a kind, RIP Coach.
Sending condolences to the family. Jeff was one of my closest friends for almost 40 years. He cared deeply for all his students and friends. Always there to listen and share his humor and passion for life. You will be truly missed.
RIP “Coach” Blanchard.
My condolences to Coach’s family. Blanch had such an impact on everyone that he coached and interacted with. Rest Easy Blanch.
Blanch was an icon to Southwestern Academy’s sports program. His legacy was his relationship with his students. He loved his students. I will always remember him as a friend and colleague. Rest in peace, friend.
Blanch was a great guy and you’d be hard pressed to find someone more loyal to his kids and programs. He worked tirelessly to provide the best opportunities for his teams. He always had a friendly greeting when he ran into you and made you feel welcome. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family, friends and student-athletes on this loss.
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. We were great friends during undergrad studies at U of M. We experienced many fun times together. Most memorable was our trip to Chicago with the History Club. Jeff and I were suppose to be at the museum, but we felt a “calling” to be in the bleacher section at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs! Great Times! We ran into each other from time to time, but for the most part we lost touch (the years have flown by). Many will miss Jeff’s wonderful smile and sense of humor. It was my pleasure to have such a friend. Will miss ya man!
Though I only met him once, Coach made a huge impact on my family by watching over his roommate, my grandfather, during grandpa’s final days. He also looked out for my grandma while she visited. He brought humor and comfort during a tough time and I wish his family peace knowing all of the lives that he impacted.
Coach, I know that the “chirds will be burpin'” when they meet you! You were loved and will be missed. Thanks for the memories, Coach!
Jeff was so memorable to me. He really was inspirational as a coach and a person. Diving in to coach us 12 year olds in 1978. I never asked myself at the time “why is Jeff doing this?” he was only 22 years old. But I have asked that to myself a lot since. I don’t know what his family situation was but I know whatever he had going on he decided to take a huge chunk of his time and dedicate it to a bunch of 11 and 12 year olds. He taught us how to play baseball. He taught us how to compete. He taught us how to be part of a team and get along with each other. I bet if you asked any kid on our team they would say the same thing. He shaped us into little men. And by the way, he hit the highest fungos of any coach I ever had all the way through college. If you played outfield for Jeff, or infield for that matter you knew how to catch a baseball that rained out of the sky like a little meteorite. RIP
Jeff. You are missed.
Jeff was so memorable to me. He really was inspirational as a coach and a person. Diving in to coach us 12 year olds in 1978. I never asked myself at the time “why is Jeff doing this?” he was only 22 years old. But I have asked that to myself a lot since. I don’t know what his family situation was but I know whatever he had going on he decided to take a huge chunk of his time and dedicate it to a bunch of 11 and 12 year olds. He taught us how to play baseball. He taught us how to compete. He taught us how to be part of a team and get along with each other. I bet if you asked any kid on our team they would say the same thing. He shaped us into little men. And by the way, he hit the highest fungos of any coach I ever had all the way through college. If you played outfield for Jeff, or infield for that matter you knew how to catch a baseball that rained out of the sky like a little meteorite. RIP
Jeff. You are missed.
I met Jeff, fittingly, in gym class, in middle of 5th grade at Pierce Elementary School…January of 1967, having just moved here from Circleville, Ohio.
I could tell Jeff loved his sports! Even back then!
From that point forward, we went thru Whittier Junior High, and then graduated from Flint Central in 1974.
While I didn’t see him often, occasionally we’d run into each other and catch up on things. So I knew what he was up to, and vice versa.
I knew he substitute taught at SWHS for many years, and I knew he was thoroughly immersed in Flint area sports! No doubt…His true passion in life.
God bless you Jeff!
My condolences to your family!
Sincerely
David Huber
Jeffrey (as your mother insisted that the neighborhood kids call you until you asserted yourself and became “Jeff”) we had many good times (almost daily) pretending to be different sports stars, depending on the season. As we reached our teenage years
hockey was our passion (street hockey in his driveway in the summer and ice hockey at Pierce Elementary in the winter.
Glad that you shared your knowledge and passion of multiple sports with the people of Flint. My favorite memories are playing basketball on your side against (at time Michigan QB) Rick Leach. Leach was the best player on the court that afternoon. Watching you coach and encourage Jim Abbott (who went to play high school, college and pro baseball). Without your dedication to assist him overcome his physical problem, he might not have succeeded as much as he did. Wish I still him my Jim Abbott autographed baseball you gave me. Thanks Jeff for some great childhood memories and for creating great childhood memories for the next generation! RIP…