Jack Wells, known to many who followed St. Louis area high school football, as "Gentleman Jack," died on July 30 th from complications of a stroke at the age of 82.  Wells started three area football programs in his 37 year coaching career.

Pattonville, Parkway Central and Parkway West all had their football programs started under the guidance of Wells.  He finished with 242 wins and while at Parkway West, the Longhorns were 142-68-1 and winners of eight conference championships.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, some of the players that Wells coached included former Northwestern and Colorado head coach Gary Barnett.  Stone Phillips, of NBC Dateline fame, and the father of current Mizzou quarterback Blaine Gabbert.