Monday, October 15, 2018
by Seattle Pacific Athletic Communications

SEATTLE – Tom Box, who was Seattle Pacific's athletic director for 10 years, the interim AD for one year, and served in various other capacities at the university during a span of 33 years, passed away last Wednesday (Oct. 10). He was 66.
 
Box was at the helm of the SPU athletic department from 1998-2008. During that time, Falcon squads were regular qualifiers for NCAA championship events across all sports, including men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, gymnastics, cross country, rowing and track.

He was one of the leaders who helped start the women's soccer program in 2001, and that team quickly rose to a national-caliber level.

Box returned to the Brougham Pavilion offices in the fall of 2015 and served as interim athletic director for the 2015-16 school year.
 
"The standard of excellence within Falcon athletics was shepherded and guided to new heights due to Tom's leadership, professionalism, thoughtfulness, and grace," current athletic director Jackson Stava said. "However, I believe Tom's greatest impact and his true legacy is that of a man who loved others deeply, lived out his faith daily, and served unconditionally.
 
"He has made a remarkable impact on all who knew him, and he will be missed early," Stava added. "Falcon athletics, Seattle Pacific University, and the Seattle community are all better because of Tom."
 
A memorial service is scheduled for this Wednesday, Oct. 17, at First Free Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. directly across from campus at 3200 3rd Ave. W., in Seattle.
 
MULTIPLE ROLES AT SPU
Between his tenures in athletics, Box served as president of the Seattle Pacific Foundation for two years and was vice president of university advancement for five years. He was a 1993 graduate of the school's MBA program.
 
When not involved in some aspect of SPU life, Box enjoyed boating, reading history and spending time with family and friends.
 
"Tom's deep faith, radiant smile, and thoughtful leadership made a lasting difference at SPU," school president Dr. Dan Martin said. "I know he will be deeply missed by those of us who knew and had the chance to work with him. Our hearts and prayers are with Tom's wife Jannie and the rest of his family."
 
Box was born on May 28, 1952, in Santa Monica, California. He and Jannie, to whom he was married for 44 years, moved to Seattle in 1980.
 
In addition to Jannie, Box is survived by his mother Ann, sons Brad and Scott, daughter Amanda, sister Cathy (Sugar) Zahn, eight grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces.