Jack Parker, a legendary figure in Idaho high school football, passed away on September 5 at the age of 74 after battling pancreatic cancer. For the past 50 years, Parker was a cornerstone of the Treasure Valley football scene, with 28 of those years spent coaching at Bishop Kelly High School. He was known for shaping young men on and off the field and building lasting connections with coaches and players across the state.
Bishop Kelly head coach Chris Culig described Parker as the connector, highlighting his ability to maintain relationships within the football community. Parker was renowned for his holiday tradition of delivering homemade pound cakes and books to fellow coaches, solidifying bonds throughout the valley. Tim Brennan, former Bishop Kelly coach who worked alongside Parker for 25 years, praised him as the ultimate coach for the state, noting his leadership in the Shrine All-Star Game and contributions to the third district coaches’ board.
Parker began coaching in 1974 at East Junior High in Boise and eventually helped Boise High win a state title in 1980. Over his career, he would win nine state championships, including six with Brennan at Bishop Kelly. He also had a stint as head coach for the Knights and briefly joined Eagle High’s coaching staff, where he secured another state title in 2009.
As a mentor and friend, Parker’s impact was felt beyond the sidelines. Culig referred to him as the “keeper of the flame, preserving the traditions and values of Bishop Kelly football. His final coaching season in 2023 saw him once again celebrate a state title with the Knights, completing his career where it started with a championship.
Parker’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 14, at Warm Springs LDS Chapel in Boise, with visitation at 9 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. A live stream will be available, and Bishop Kelly will host a Celebration of Life from 3-5 p.m. at Nick Ysursa Field. Donations to the Jack and Kit Parker Family Scholarship Fund can be made via Bishop Kelly’s website.