IFL Mourns the Passing of John Pettit
December 26, 2020 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release
The Indoor Football League is devastated to learn of the passing of John Pettit. John, the Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Barnstormers, and a member of the team's ownership group, passed away on Christmas Eve.
"John was a great friend to everyone and has been one of the pioneers of the indoor football game for many years," said Todd Tryon, Commissioner of the IFL. "Our league became stronger when he led the Barnstormers into the IFL, and it was because of John's knowledge, passion, and leadership that we have continued to grow and prosper. I can speak for the entire IFL family, including his colleagues, our players and coaches, our partners, and our fans when I say that we are all indebted to John's generosity and inspiration and we offer our deepest sympathies to John's wife Janice and his daughters Jaclyn and Juliann, along with his grandchildren and the rest of his family."
Added Jeff Lamberti, principal owner of the Iowa Barnstormers: "It is impossible to think of the Iowa Barnstormers without thinking of John Pettit. He was our heart and soul. Needless to say, our hearts are broken right now. Please keep Janice, Jaclyn, Juliann, his grandchildren, and the entire Pettit family in your thoughts and prayers. John's circle of friends spanned the entire country and beyond. He was respected throughout the entire professional sports world. As outstanding as he was in his professional life, he was an even better man with his family and friends. I take some small solace in the fact that I was lucky enough to have John in my life, and to be able to call him a friend."
Many throughout the sports industry have offered their condolances to John and his family, including those who have known him for decades.
"John Pettit and I go back more than 30 years," said Dave Whinham, President of the IFL's Business Division. "I've known him as a great family man, friend, and executive. He certainly is one of the builders of the indoor game. John had a smile for everyone he met and we will all miss his sharp wit and big heart."
Added Jerry Kurz, longtime indoor football executive: "I've never met a finer, nicer, more supportive person than John Pettit. He is someone about whom I have never, ever heard anyone say a bad word. If you met John, you were his friend. I don't know anyone who cared more about people across this industry as he did. He will be sorely missed."
Indoor Football League Stories from December 26, 2020
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
