JOE JARZYNKA
GHHS Tide Legend, Class of 1995
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Joe Jarzynka, a beloved husband, father, sibling, son, friend, and a local legend. He was born and raised in Michigan until his family moved to Gig Harbor in 1990.
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Photos grabbed from Jennifer Jarzynka's Facebook.
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The MAN Behind the LEGEND
(By: Robyn Saathoff and Amy Kalafatich)
(By: Robyn Saathoff and Amy Kalafatich)
Jen and Joe were high school sweethearts. So many memories have flooded in since this tragic weekend. From high school sports, cheer, and shenanigans... and on to college (UW for Joe and WSU for Jen). So many trips across the state to visit Joe and his Husky friends, those Apple Cup weekends (shhh don't, Joe would party with us Cougs after the game). Through marriage and kiddos, camping trips and soccer games, even working together from time to time. It was always Jen and Joe. He was a family man. He had two kids who he loved dearly. He taught them to be the best they could be.
Joe was one of a kind. His positive attitude and drive were inspirational. He did life 100 percent. Nothing could stop Joe. No one could tell him he couldn't do something. His drive always prevailed. He was "Rudy" with all the talent. Whatever he wanted he wouldn't stop until the goal was met.
He was a dream coach. He inspired all he coached. He also led by example. He met every child where they were at and brought the best out of them. He helped them believe they could do anything they put their mind to.
Everywhere Joe went he made friends. He saw the best in people. All who met him left better than they were before he met them. He had this charisma that was contagious. He made you want to be better and live life to the fullest. All who met him loved him dearly. He will be missed by all!
He loved the outdoors and was passionate about fly fishing. He was a guide and taught all who wanted to learn.
Joe was one of a kind. His positive attitude and drive were inspirational. He did life 100 percent. Nothing could stop Joe. No one could tell him he couldn't do something. His drive always prevailed. He was "Rudy" with all the talent. Whatever he wanted he wouldn't stop until the goal was met.
He was a dream coach. He inspired all he coached. He also led by example. He met every child where they were at and brought the best out of them. He helped them believe they could do anything they put their mind to.
Everywhere Joe went he made friends. He saw the best in people. All who met him left better than they were before he met them. He had this charisma that was contagious. He made you want to be better and live life to the fullest. All who met him loved him dearly. He will be missed by all!
He loved the outdoors and was passionate about fly fishing. He was a guide and taught all who wanted to learn.
The Legend
Source Credits: GHHS Admin
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GHHS VARSITY FOOTBALL -- wide receiver, defensive back, kicker, and kick return specialist
Pierce County MVP as a Senior.
First-Team All-State defensive back.
Second-Team All-State receiver.
4-way First-Team All-League as Junior and Senior.
GHHS VARSITY SOCCER -- First-Team All-League forward 1993-1995.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON 1996-19999 -- walk-on player as a wide receiver, starting kickoff returner, punt returner, and kicker
Joe Jarzynka holds the UW record for punt return yards in a single game (166) and 3rd longest punt return in school history (91 yards). Led the Huskies in scoring in 1998.
First-Team All-Pac 10 as an all-purpose player; led players in the Pac-10 with 45 punt returns and was named the KIRO-TV/Pete Gross Player of the Year in 1998.
Finalist for Seattle Sports Star of the Year in 1998.
Inducted in the UW Hall of Fame in October 2009.
To read more about Joe's incredible feats, please click on the button below.
Pierce County MVP as a Senior.
First-Team All-State defensive back.
Second-Team All-State receiver.
4-way First-Team All-League as Junior and Senior.
GHHS VARSITY SOCCER -- First-Team All-League forward 1993-1995.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON 1996-19999 -- walk-on player as a wide receiver, starting kickoff returner, punt returner, and kicker
Joe Jarzynka holds the UW record for punt return yards in a single game (166) and 3rd longest punt return in school history (91 yards). Led the Huskies in scoring in 1998.
First-Team All-Pac 10 as an all-purpose player; led players in the Pac-10 with 45 punt returns and was named the KIRO-TV/Pete Gross Player of the Year in 1998.
Finalist for Seattle Sports Star of the Year in 1998.
Inducted in the UW Hall of Fame in October 2009.
To read more about Joe's incredible feats, please click on the button below.
Joe passed away on March 5, 2023. Family was everything to him. He is survived by his loving wife, Jen, and two incredible children, Madeline and Fisher.
He left behind a great Tide legacy and will surely be missed.
If you wish to help and support in ensuring stability for the loved ones he left behind, a GoFundMe is organized for his memorial and funeral expenses. Please click on the button below.
He left behind a great Tide legacy and will surely be missed.
If you wish to help and support in ensuring stability for the loved ones he left behind, a GoFundMe is organized for his memorial and funeral expenses. Please click on the button below.