John A. LeBar

Quietly, on October 17th, 2025, in the presence of his family and friends, John Albert LeBar, “Coach,” journeyed to that special heaven for old coaches who had finished their last game. Born on October 1, 1934, in Kansas City, Kansas, he was preceded in death by his loving parents George and Dorothy (Henry) LeBar and his three brothers Thomas, James and Jerry.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Carole Anderson LeBar, four daughters: Leja LeBar (Jonathan Isham) of Atlanta, GA, Rhonda LeBar Jenkins (John Jenkins) of Spotsylvania, VA, Kristin Anderson Rich (Sean Rich) of Saunderstown, RI, and Alison “Reid” Anderson of Durham, NC. He was a grandparent to Harrison Jenkins of Ruckersville, VA (Chelsie Bishop Jenkins), Jackson Rich, and a great-grandparent to Stacie Renee Jenkins.

From an early age Coach loved all sports and played, taught or coached many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, squash, racquetball, handball, fencing and tennis.

Coach LeBar was a teacher and coach at three universities, teaching and coaching at Rice University for two years, the University of Missouri in Kansas City for four years, and then at Duke University for 47 years. He was hired by Duke University in 1964 to be the Head Swimming Coach and moved quickly to Head Fencing Coach before finding his true calling as the Head Varsity Tennis Coach where he led his team to the first ACC championship in tennis in 1982. He was a founding member of the Duke Faculty Club, ran the Duke Day Camp for twelve years, organized and founded the Duke Children’s Classic and continued to volunteer his time and talent to numerous charity organizations. John retired from coaching in 1984 but continued his time at Duke as Director of Undergraduate studies and in the classroom until fully retiring in 2011 as a professor of Physical Education with tenure.

Not one to sit around, you could find him after retirement on the golf course or ‘telling stories’ with his friends at Biscuitville, the car shop on Durham- Chapel Hill Boulevard, the Durham Sports Club or later in life at the Forest at Duke. He never met a stranger and always loved a good debate. Dr. LeBar has published four books: 1- Learning Tennis Together, 2- dissertation: An ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF FACTORS IN THE ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS OF SELECTED DUKE UNVERSITY GRADUATES OF 1959-1960-1961, 3-Marching Toward Madness, and #4- COLLEGE SPORTS ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER:THE RISE OF PAY-FOR-PLAY AND THE FALL OF THE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE, which was published in 2022. John was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Wyandotte High School, then received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State College in Pittsburg, Kansas. He received a Master of Science degree from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas, and received his Doctor of Education from Duke University.

John remained active and healthy until the last four months of his life. He was a loving family man and a friend to many. He will be missed.

A life celebration will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Croasdaile Country Club, 3800 Farm Gate Ave in Durham from 1pm to 4pm. All that knew him are invited to speak and tell one more story with the Coach. He would like that.

Those desiring to make donations in his name may contribute to Paws 4 Ever in Mebane, NC, the Duke Tennis Team or a charity of your choice.