Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 08:2 (Fall 2011)
Article: Dr. Dad
Author: John Holcomb

JBTM 8:2 (Fall 2011) p. 24

Dr. Dad

John Holcomb

John Holcomb, Dan and Olga’s firstborn son, is the Sports Director at KOTV in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In the summer of 1978, Dad wrote a book that was used as the main teaching tool for thousands of young students at Falls Creek, the Baptist camp in Oklahoma. The week our youth group attended, Dad was there as the teacher. I don’t know how many other kids remember the impact that week had on their lives, but it helped shape my life forever. I look back at that week and see clearly what Dad stands for, and some of what he has enjoyed for a long time.

There are several things that are impossible to miss when you spend any amount of time around our Dad. One is his love for God, followed closely by his love for our Mom. There is also his deep interest in Christianity, from how it all began to how it is promoted, reviewed, and received today. Sharing those views while reinforcing what the Bible teaches is his life’s work. Whether it’s the classroom or a pulpit, he’s completely at home.

Another obvious thing about Dad? He has a passion for sports, specifically (and not just coincidentally) the Saints. For those not quite indoctrinated to south Louisiana culture, we’re talking about the New Orleans Saints, not exclusive to Dad’s rooting interest, but definitely at the top of the list.

To trace Dad’s love for sports, you have to go a long way back, to his childhood. The son of an Army veteran who served during both world wars, Dad and his father and mother bounced from San Antonio to Rockford, Illinois, to Seattle, some of that time spent on Army bases like Fort Lawton in the early years of World War II. As a kid Dad balanced the unnerving uncertainty of conflict with trips to the ballpark, watching favorite players like future major league first baseman Earl Torgeson.

One of my earliest memories is of a trip to Freedom Hall in Louisville. Dad took us there to watch the Louisville Cardinals play. I don’t remember the opponent. I do remember him telling me about big Wes Unseld and Butch Beard, two of the Cardinals’ stars. I also remember standing in line that evening to get Kentucky great Cliff Hagan’s autograph. I think I was 3 years old.

Basketball became a big part of our lives from that point. Dad helped coach our teams when I was in grade school. I’m sure finding a more intricate playbook than the one Dad put together for our 4th grade YMCA league team in Shawnee would be an impossible task. It was a 3-ring binder full of basic defenses and offenses, but also with situational plays. How many other teams

JBTM 8:2 (Fall 2011) p. 25

that age had end-of-game half-court inbounds plays drawn up?...