High School athletics in the state has lost another of the giants, as Jerry McGee, long-time Executive Director of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) has passed away. McGee served as the Executive Director of the NCADA from 1991 until December 2015, serving as Executive Director Emeratus until his passing.
McGee began his work at John A. Holmes High School in Edenton where he served as the school’s Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. In 1966 he took a job as an assistant football coach at Kansas State and for five years spent time at Kansas State, Southern Illinois and East Carolina before returning to his alma mater Duke to work alongside his twin brother, Mike, who was then the Head Coach of the Blue Devils.
In 1981 McGee returned to northeastern North Carolina and the high school level when he took the job of Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City. He was appointed as Director of Athletics and Physical Education for Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public School System and served in that role for 16 years.
During his time in Elizabeth City, McGee took on the role of Executive Director of the NCADA, where he made many of his greatest contributions to education-based athletics in the state and nation. In 2002, McGee had the vision to bring together leaders of athletic director groups across the country, forming the National Executive Directors Council (NEDC), which he led for more than a decade and is a thriving national organization.
Current NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said:
“Jerry McGee is one of the all-time greats in the education-based athletic landscape of North Carolina. He succeeded in everything he did–as a teacher, as a coach at the collegiate and high school levels, and as the Executive Director of the NC Athletic Directors Association, which is ultimately where I believe he made his greatest impact.
Jerry loved teaching young people, and he loved mentoring the leaders of the next generation. The NCHSAA and the NCADA are better organizations today because of his dedication and commitment to excellence, that has touched the lives of so many in our state and across the country.
Jerry was a great friend to the NCHSAA—serving on our board of directors and on too many committees to name. We loved Jerry and will miss his caring ways, his wisdom, and his energy.
Our thoughts go out to Jerry’s wife, Patsy, and we pray for the entire family as we mourn the loss of this giant of a man.”
McGee, earned his certified athletic administrator (CAA), served on the Boards of Directors for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and the NCHSAA for many years, developing a long and powerful friendship with the late Charlie Adams, long-time NCHSAA Executive Director. According to NCSHOF.org, Charlie Adams described Jerry McGee by saying, “I believe that Jerry has done more on behalf of high school athletics than anyone in the state of North Carolina. His influence and impact has been felt in so many ways.”
McGee has been awarded honors at the state and national level on numerous occasions, including induction into the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), NIAAA, NCADA and NCHSAA Halls of Fame. He was awarded the highest civilian honor in the state of North Carolina, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Chip Broadfoot officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Parish Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jerry McGee Endowment Scholarship Fund, NCHSAA, PO Box 3216, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 or NCHSAA.org. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the McGee family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.