John L. “Jack” Losch managed to pack a full life into 69 years.
As a youngster, he played centerfield for the Maynard Midgets in Williamsport, Pa. In 1947, his team beat the Lock Haven All Stars, 16-7, in Little League’s first World Series championship.
“Playing in the Little League World Series gave me the confidence in myself to know there was nothing I couldn’t do,” Losch once said.
He switched to football in his teens and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Miami. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound All-American running back set four rushing records there, including the longest run from scrimmage for a 90-yard sprint in 1955. For his achievements, the school inducted Losch into its Sports Hall of Fame.
Losch was selected by Green Bay as a first-round draft pick in 1956. He played one season in the NFL, and in that short time became one of the most effective passers in Packers history.
Losch then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent three years serving as a fighter jet pilot. An injury kept him from returning to professional football, so he pursued a career as an auto executive. For the next 37 years, he worked at General Motors, ending his tenure as the director of Fleet Services. In 1996, he was named honorary chairman of the Little League Baseball World Series 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee.
Losch died on May 27. Cause of death was not released.
May 31, 2004 by
I will never forget the block he threw on a Chicago Bear that helped Al Carmichael bust out on a 106 yard kickoff return. Can you imagine had he kept on playing, a backfield of Starr, Taylor, Hornung, and Losch! One can only imagine, while wistfully smiling at the thought.
Joe Thaler
Jack was the best damned zone manager General Motors ever had
He may have been many things to many people. He was the best father one could ever hope to have.
My Uncle Jack Losch was the BEST uncle a girl could ever have!!!!! He will truely be missed and we all love him dearly! ♥
Jack was my idol. I really miss him and think of him evety day.
There is not a day that I do not think about my brother, Jack. He was not only my idol but my best friend. He loved life to the fullest and we and hope that he is enjoying eternal life with our parents.
Jack was my best friend, he helped me in so many business moves, we once wanted to by watefrint land in Nap,es Fla, needed 25000 did not have it, land now worh 5 mill.