The founder and director of the Jokers Lacrosse Club, John McCarthy, has succumbed to cancer after a valiant two and a half year battle. He continued to administer the club, coach, and mentor hundreds of young lacrosse players throughout his ordeal prompting the Central Florida High School coaches to vote him as “Person of the Year” in 2011. John played for the famous West Genesee High School in New York where he won two state championships and went on to earn All-American honors at D3 power house Cortland Sate. His tireless work to grow the Jokers Lacrosse Club from its original twelve players to the 100 + member club that it has become will stand as a tremendous legacy.  John has touched the lives of hundreds of young players and other coaches within the organization. Tony Moreschi, co-founder and director said, “He was a dear friend and brother to me and without his guidance, mentorship, and passion, the Jokers Lacrosse Club would not exist.” Kevin Farrington said, ““Coach John fought tenaciously from the moment he learned of his illness (2010), and his courage and intensity during his struggle will always be an inspiration for everyone who knew him.  He was a tremendous and dedicated lacrosse coach, who had a positive effect on all of the young men he met over the years in the Jokers Program.” John leaves behind a wonderful family; his wife Ann and three children Jake, Kelly, and David.  John was a wonderful husband, father, mentor, coach, and a good friend of us here at FloridaLacrosseNews.com and we will miss him tremendously.