The event named "A Celebration for John Chuma," took place on Sunday, paying tribute to the 73-year-old Vietnam War veteran who has spent over 50 years coaching Teener League Baseball and leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young athletes.
The festivities were held at the Frackville Elks, with attendees overflowing from every corner of the lodge, including Chuma's beloved family, loyal friends, community members, and former players, all eager to express their gratitude to the man who has selflessly given so much.
Throughout the event, a series of heartfelt and inspiring speeches painted a vivid picture of Chuma's impact on the community. Among the speakers were notable figures such as North Schuylkill Athletic Director Jim Gross, Attorney Joseph Nahas, Knute Brayford, Jake Green, Ray Flannery, State Representative Joanne Stehr, and Frackville Borough Council President Ron Jordan.
Attorney Nahas, taking the podium, commended Chuma's incredible legacy, emphasizing that Chuma's success extended far beyond the number of championships he won. "When you look at John Chuma, you look at a person who has left his mark on society. Don't look any further than right here," Nahas praised.
Nahas continued by highlighting Chuma's unparalleled compassion, stating that while many coaches might achieve victories, none possessed the genuine care and empathy that Chuma consistently demonstrated towards his players.
Chuma's own family members were also in the spotlight, and Nahas spoke warmly of his son John, daughter Angela, and son Kristopher, all shining examples of the love and values that Chuma instilled in them.
A touching moment came when a video message from Joe Nahas, Chuma's former player and current Tennessee Smokies player in the Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, was played, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his former coach.
The festivities were held at the Frackville Elks, with attendees overflowing from every corner of the lodge, including Chuma's beloved family, loyal friends, community members, and former players, all eager to express their gratitude to the man who has selflessly given so much.
Throughout the event, a series of heartfelt and inspiring speeches painted a vivid picture of Chuma's impact on the community. Among the speakers were notable figures such as North Schuylkill Athletic Director Jim Gross, Attorney Joseph Nahas, Knute Brayford, Jake Green, Ray Flannery, State Representative Joanne Stehr, and Frackville Borough Council President Ron Jordan.
Attorney Nahas, taking the podium, commended Chuma's incredible legacy, emphasizing that Chuma's success extended far beyond the number of championships he won. "When you look at John Chuma, you look at a person who has left his mark on society. Don't look any further than right here," Nahas praised.
Nahas continued by highlighting Chuma's unparalleled compassion, stating that while many coaches might achieve victories, none possessed the genuine care and empathy that Chuma consistently demonstrated towards his players.
Chuma's own family members were also in the spotlight, and Nahas spoke warmly of his son John, daughter Angela, and son Kristopher, all shining examples of the love and values that Chuma instilled in them.
A touching moment came when a video message from Joe Nahas, Chuma's former player and current Tennessee Smokies player in the Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, was played, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his former coach.
Reggie Crawford, a native of Frackville, and current player for the High A affiliate of the San Franscisco Giants, also sent a video message thanking Chuma.
Chuma's contributions to the community extended beyond baseball, as he also served as a coach for the Frackville Youth Football team, the Mountaineers. In recognition of his dedication to the sport, Ray Flannery, representative of the team, presented Chuma with his very own Frackville Mountaineers jersey.
Acknowledging his outstanding contributions, State Representative Stehr awarded Chuma with a Certificate of Recognition from the House of Representatives, underscoring the profound impact he has had on the lives of so many.
For Wendy Montgomery, Chuma was more than just a coach; he played the role of a father figure after her father passed away when she was just 13-years-old. Moved by his kindness and mentorship, Montgomery expressed her deepest admiration for Chuma, stating, "You are not only like a father to me, but you’re also my mentor, one of my dearest friends, and my hero."
As the event drew to a close, Chuma was presented with a large commemorative plaque that will find a permanent place of honor in Frackville Borough Hall, symbolizing the lasting impact of his contributions to the community.
The celebration concluded with an overwhelming display of appreciation, as attendees formed a line to shake the hand of the man whose unwavering commitment had touched their lives in profound ways.
Frackville may be a small town, but its heart and spirit were on full display as it rallied together to honor John Chuma, a remarkable individual whose dedication and compassion have undoubtedly shaped the lives of generations to come.
Chuma's contributions to the community extended beyond baseball, as he also served as a coach for the Frackville Youth Football team, the Mountaineers. In recognition of his dedication to the sport, Ray Flannery, representative of the team, presented Chuma with his very own Frackville Mountaineers jersey.
Acknowledging his outstanding contributions, State Representative Stehr awarded Chuma with a Certificate of Recognition from the House of Representatives, underscoring the profound impact he has had on the lives of so many.
For Wendy Montgomery, Chuma was more than just a coach; he played the role of a father figure after her father passed away when she was just 13-years-old. Moved by his kindness and mentorship, Montgomery expressed her deepest admiration for Chuma, stating, "You are not only like a father to me, but you’re also my mentor, one of my dearest friends, and my hero."
As the event drew to a close, Chuma was presented with a large commemorative plaque that will find a permanent place of honor in Frackville Borough Hall, symbolizing the lasting impact of his contributions to the community.
The celebration concluded with an overwhelming display of appreciation, as attendees formed a line to shake the hand of the man whose unwavering commitment had touched their lives in profound ways.
Frackville may be a small town, but its heart and spirit were on full display as it rallied together to honor John Chuma, a remarkable individual whose dedication and compassion have undoubtedly shaped the lives of generations to come.
Story, Photos, and Video by J. Reed
