Jan Graves, the Foothill High institution known as “Mama Foothill,” was remembered fondly by Park Stockdale residents. Jan died at the age of 84 earlier this month after suffering a fall.
She taught math and coached swimming for more than 40 years, as well as coaching volleyball, basketball and tennis.
Jan also served as a Park Stockdale Civic Association board member and was a swim instructor here.
PSCA board member Susan Tuttle recalled that Jan was an original owner when the subdivision was built in the 1960s. “She gave lifeguard training and had swim lessons during the summer at her house. When her children were old enough to qualify, they became lifeguards and were on the Park Stockdale swim team that she started. They went on to the West High swim team.
“Safety was very important to her, and she had children show that they could swim across the pool to earn a badge to swim without a parent present at the pool. The pool was very active all summer, like a country club during those years. She helped to build community around the pool!”
PSCA board member Eli Hamm remembered, “Jan was my swim coach and friend. She was stern to many but I was only shown the greatest of love. My favorite memory is of Jan driving a station wagon full of swimmers out to dinner in Fresno at the Valley Championships. We were all doing our best to embarrass her by acting as weird as possible to other cars on the road. We were awful.
“I’ll always remember her characteristic “yello” every time she said hello. There was another funny story. I finally figured out how to move my hips in butterfly and thought I had stumbled on to a way to cheat. I asked her about it and she said, “That’s how you’re supposed to do it, you dummy.” Tough love.
“Finally, I didn’t take part but she always drove a white (VW) bug. One day the kids picked up the car and put it in the flowerbed. I think I helped her get it out. Everyone thought it was funny.”
Eli learned his lessons well. He has been the Bakersfield High varsity swim coach for the past 10 years.
Jan also served as a Kern High School District trustee from 2018-2022.