Founder of Curtis school dies at 86

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RIVER RIDGE, La. (AP) — John Curtis Sr., the founder of a nonsectarian school that bears his name in suburban New Orleans, has died at the age of 86.

Curtis died of cancer Monday at his home.

An ordained Baptist minister for 62 years, Curtis founded John Curtis Christian School in 1962, one of Jefferson Parish's first private non-Catholic Christian schools. Well-known for its football program, the school now has about 700 students.

Curtis, who coached at the school from 1962 to 1965, was a graduate of Tulane University and Louisiana College. The school won 19 state football championships, but Curtis often said the school's reputation in athletics overshadowed its emphasis on academics.

Curtis resigned as the school's headmaster in December, saying he was frustrated with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, some of whose members accused his school of being little more than a football factory.

His son, current football coach J.T. Curtis, said his father was diagnosed with cancer and intended to die in his home.

"For a man who loved his country as much as he did, it's certainly fitting he passed away on Memorial Day," J.T. Curtis said.

John Curtis is survived by five children, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday

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www.johncurtis.com/

Reverend John T. Curtis, Sr. has fought his last fight, and won his final battle --his championship, if you will. He went on to be with the Lord, on Monday evening at approximately 6:30 P.M. with his entire family in his home and by his bedside. Mr. Curtis triumphantly returned to his Master, the Lord God, with honor, dignity, and elegance. He is unlike any human being we have ever known. He will be remembered and missed by all involved in “our" John Curtis Christian School family. Our thanks to all who have shown support by calling, visiting or dropping a note in the mail during this time. It has been a wonderful consolation to read of so many of your fond memories of Mr. Curtis and the school. We will treasure these always. Mrs. Curtis is at peace and is being strengthened by God’s grace.

John T. Curtis, Sr. realized his dream in 1962 when he started John Curtis Christian School from scratch on the un-traveled ground on Jefferson Highway and Manguno Road in tiny River Ridge. With five children and a faithful, loving, devoted wife, he became the "father" of so many students that came through his doors and attended his school. To those parents and students...thank you for entrusting us with your most precious commodity, your children. We look forward to continuing the legacy that Mr. Curtis started 43 years ago.

Mr. Curtis, Sr. was the pastor of Coliseum Place Baptist Church for 30+ years, and started countless other churches doing missionary work all around the United States when he was a young pastor. He is survived by his wife Merle Phae Manguno Curtis; his sister, Ruth Barcelona, his brother Harold Curtis,; sons: J.T. and Leon,; daughters: Debbie Curtis Eutsler, Kathy Curtis Rickner and Alicia Curtis Naccari; grandchildren: Joanna Curtis Fabacher, Johnny Curtis, Jeff Curtis, Preston Curtis, Matt Curtis, Steve Curtis, Lance Rickner, Ashley Rickner, Robby Eutsler, Rebekah Eutsler, Paul Naccari, and Sarah Naccari; and, great-grandchildren, Reaghan Fabacher, Rylee Fabacher, John Thomas(Jay) Curtis IV, Michael Curtis, Anna Curtis, Abbi Curtis and Zoe Curtis.

Visitation will be held at Celebration Church on Friday beginning at 9:00 am. The funeral service will begin at noon followed by the burial at Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, one can donate to the John T. Curtis, Sr. Memorial Fund via John Curtis Christian School. Please contact Mr. Mark Naccari at 504-737-4621 for more details.

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When John Curtis ushers in the football season Sept 2 against Cottonwood High School of Utah, the River Ridge school's founder and headmaster of 43 years will be absent from the sideline.

Rev. John Curtis Sr. forged a familiar figure at Curtis football games, particularly in the Superdome where his postgame, two-finger, Winston Churchill-like victory sign was commonplace after Curtis' 16 state title victories indoors.

Curtis succumbed to colon cancer at his River Ridge home on Memorial Day at age 86.

During his tenure, the Patriots' patriarch frequently found himself at odds with Louisiana High School Athletic Association commissioner Tommy Henry, who was attending a meeting of high school officials Tuesday when informed of Curtis' passing.

Henry said he was an assistant to the late Frank Spruiel, a former LHSAA commissioner, when he first met Curtis.

"They (Spruiel and Curtis) had their differences," Henry said. "But I think the two of them worked pretty well together."

Curtis' unhappiness with the LHSAA reached its zenith last year, with his opposition to a proposal from some member principals to split into private and public school factions. The move was voted down Sept. 22.

"I know he became disenchanted with me over the public-private issue," Henry said. "He did not agree with me, but that's his right."

Henry, who has served as commissioner for 22 years, sat next to Curtis during the school's 19th state title victory against Northside in December.

"We started talking, and I think we began to warm up to each other," Henry said.

"There are some principals in this association who I stay away from, and I don't want to be around. He was not one of them. I respect his right to disagree. He was a fighter, the kind that has made America what it is today. What you saw was what you got with him."

Henry and Curtis also were at odds last year as the association enacted rules limiting a school's ability to play up in class. Curtis has a 2A enrollment, but for many years had played in Class 4A. That changed during last year's reclassification session, when Curtis' request to play up to 4A was denied by the state's 4A principals.

In January, the LHSAA passed legislation requiring schools to play in the class their enrollment dictates.

Henry said despite that, Curtis followed LHSAA rules.

"I can honestly say I did not have that many dealings with him because he took care of his business," Henry said. "If I had to rate our relationship, I would give it a B-plus. But last year it was probably a C-minus.

"He did it right. He loved that school, and I hated to hear of his passing. I am certainly sad for his family."