Thomas Sydney Jarman

Thomas Sydney Jarman died on January 30th, 2025, in the presence of his dedicated wife (Janet Jarman), children (Jennifer Gornick, Rebecca Hoekstra and Benjamin Jarman) and grandson (Nicholas Jarman). Born February 18th, 1942, Tom grew up in Oswego, IL and met Janet Lisk while attending Wheaton College. They wedded in 1964 at the end of their senior year and remained so until the day of his passing.

Tom dedicated his career to wrestling focally, and athletics broadly. He was a NCAA wrestling national champion at 157# during his junior year at Wheaton after recovering from a life-threatening illness his sophomore year. He started his coaching career at the Wheaton Academy (1965-1967) where he and Jan served as dorm parents for 39 young men, the majority of whom would remain loyal and engaged with them throughout their lives. He worked for his father at Morgan Vice Company (1967-1969) but passed up the corporate world for his calling to Christian education and wrestling. He coached at Taylor University (1969-1979), Northwestern University (1979-1989), and Manchester College (1989-2007) before retiring. His last and most caring “wrestling” team was the Peabody Retirement Community Willow Way unit (2022-2025) – the dedication and grit of the servants at Peabody profoundly appreciated by his family.

Tom’s priorities in life were his faith, family, friends, colleagues, and athletes which varied in order and intensity. He spent his wrestling coach, professor, and athletic director career inspiring athletes to be their best on the mat and in life. His impact on people was immeasurable – he was always available with an open ear, words of wisdom, a joke, and a helping hand. He simply had a gift for helping people to recognize and realize their potential and become better physically, mentally, and spiritually. During his career, he was the recipient of innumerable honors and accolades including induction into the Hall of Fame of seven national, state and college organizations. The awards were not the goal, nor what he boasted – it was always about the athletes and the personal, humanistic, and professional development that he could inspire directly or through others for generations to come. 

Known as “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren – he was deeply loved by them and impacted each of them in the ways only a grandpa can muster. On the side, Tom had a well-known appreciation for long drives, canoeing, big trees, fishing, music, and chain sawing. 

Preceded in death by Gilbert Jarman and Maryon Rentfrow, he is survived by his wife, brother, sister, three children, and eight grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations (volunteer hours or financial contributions) to be focused on inspiring young wrestlers, wrestling organizations or a Christian ministry of choice.

A celebration of life will take place on May 25th, 2025, at Manchester University in North Manchester, IN.

The family of Thomas S. Jarman has entrusted McKee Mortuary in North Manchester, IN with care and final arrangements.