Robert E. "Bob" Kight

Robert “Bob” E. Kight (74) of Jackson, Ohio, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Holzer Hospital of Jackson. Bob was born September 5, 1949 in Jackson, Ohio to the late Charles and June Kight of Jackson, Ohio. In 1967, Bob graduated from Jackson High School. Bob then received a Bachelor’s Degree in History for Secondary Education from the University of Rio Grande. Bob later attended the University of Dayton as a graduate student and received a Master’s Degree in Education, as well as an Administrative License. Bob dedicated a total of 44 years to the education system. Bob began his career as a Health and Physical Education instructor at Gallia Academy High School. Bob then transferred his career to Jackson High School, at which he remained for 42 years. Of those 42 years, Bob served as an American History teacher for 23 years, an assistant principal for 9 years, and the athletic director for 10 years. Following Bob’s retirement, Bob served on the Jackson City School Board of Education in 2017. In 2019, Bob was inducted into the State of Ohio NIAA Hall of Fame for his time and service as the athletic director. Further, Bob coached various sports for several years, throughout his career, including junior high football and basketball, varsity basketball as the assistant and head coach, and varsity baseball as assistant and head coach. In 1982, Bob won a S.E.O.A.L. Conference Title and Coach of The Year as the varsity baseball coach. Bob was zealously devoted to the betterment of Jackson City Schools and its community. Bob exhausted countless hours behind the scenes to support students, athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and administration. Bob was highly regarded by peers, friends, family, students, and athletes, not only in Jackson, but throughout Southeastern Ohio. Bob had countless relationships throughout his life. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Bob cherished those close to him until his passing. Bob was also an avid sports fan and, especially, treasured the game of basketball. One of Bob’s favorite quotes summarizes his life here on earth: “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” — John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach. Bob is preceded in death by his late wife Rebecca “Becky” Hughes Kight. Bob and Becky had 2 sons, David (Cara) Robert Kight of Pomeroy, Ohio and Nathaniel Joshua “NJ” Kight of Jackson, Ohio. Bob is survived by his wife Sharon Kight and their 2 daughters, Jessica (Daniel) Gwosch and Andrea (Tony) Smits. His sister Jill Baldwin of Jackson and special niece Christy (Craig) Byler, nephew Michael (Wendy) Zinn; great niece and nephews Lauren and Nathan Parks, and Derrick Zinn and great-great nephew Beau Parks. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Kaitlyn (Kacey) Jarvis, Kory and Dalton Kight, Lincoln and Teddy Smits and Isaiah, Jace, Kade Bullington; and extended family Michelle (Tracy) Lanning. Bob attended the Christ Church of Jackson for over 50 years. Bob has been an inspiration many and will be greatly missed throughout the community. Private family graveside services will be on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 by the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ Church of Jackson, located at 150 Portsmouth Street, Jackson, Ohio 45640, and the Jackson City Schools Athletic Department, located at 450 Vaughn Street, Jackson, Ohio 45640. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com

Robert E. "Bob" Kight

September 5, 1949 - January 13, 2024