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Colonel <em>John S. Roosma</em>, often categorized as “a living legend,” passed away at the age of 83 in Verona, New Jersey, 13 November 1983. In the fullest sense, he was a man for all seasons—an athlete, soldier, husband, father and friend. In all of these roles he excelled. He filled his cup of life early and kept it full by sharing. Simply put, Johnny was a great participator.</div>
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He became the finest athlete Passaic, New Jersey ever produced when he anchored the Passaic High basketball “Wonder Teams” of the early 1920’s. These amazing teams compiled a string of 159 consecutive victories—to this day the all-time national high school record. His coach, Ernest Blood, called Johnny “the greatest,” a tribute later magnified by four outstanding years as West Point’s premier basketball player, leading Army to 70 wins and 3 losses while scoring 44 percent of his team’s points.</div>
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During Johnny’s playing years, Army was credited with one of the most unusual records in the history of the court game, preventing the first two college quintets it faced in the 1922-23 season from scoring a single point from the field. Army, which went undefeated with 33 straight wins, defeated Trinity College 53-8 and St. John’s 66-5, with all points by the opposition being scored from the foul line. Johnny’s unparalleled contributions resulted in his selection as All-American three straight years (1923-1925), and earned him the Army Athletic Association’s Sabre as outstanding athlete, an award which was testament not only to his basketball prowess, but to his excellence in soccer and baseball as well. In fact, Ty Cobb considered Johnny one of the few natural all-around baseball players he had ever seen, and General MacArthur called Johnny “the outstanding basketball player of his era.”</div>
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During the 1960’s Johnny received a collegiate athlete’s highest accolade as he was inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. At the same time, he was honored by the Passaic High School All Sports Hall of Fame, the New Jersey All Sports Hall of Fame, and the Helm Citizen’s Savings Athletic Foundation in California. In today’s sports vernacular—he was recognized as “world class.”</div>
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It was also during the 1960’s that Johnny began pursuing his goal of having the “Wonder Teams” enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame, a goal achieved, in part, as he single-handedly had the 1921 team plaque included in the Hall of Fame exhibit of outstanding high school teams. In one of his many letters to the Hall of Fame on Passaic’s behalf, he noted:</div>
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“...the Passaic teams, their feats and writings about them gave basketball something around which to rally. The team was the sports topic of conversation, not only locally, but nationally. Many coaches and experts came to see them play. They inspired many youngsters to play basketball. Hoops went up in backyards and churchyards by the hundreds. The team gave progress and a new style of play to the wonderful game of basketball. What team was ever better qualified for enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame?”</div>
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This letter reveals the spirited loyalty Johnny had for both Passaic and his beloved sport. In a broader sense, he wrote not for Passaic alone, but for a nation which had watched basketball evolve into a prominent national sport, providing the opportunity for thousands of America’s youth to mature through athletics.</div>
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Upon graduation from West Point, Johnny was assigned to the 29th Infantry at Fort Benning. This began a distinguished career spanning 30 years. He served with the 31st Infantry Regiment in 1932 when it deployed to Shanghai, China, “to protect the lives and property” of Americans living in the Far East. Later, he served with the 21st Infantry and participated in the defense of Hawaii, seeing action during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1944, Johnny commanded a regiment spearheading the Infantry attack through the Siegfried Line. Later in his career, he was Provost Marshal of the Seventh US Army in Stuttgart, Germany and, after serving as public relations officer and commantling officer of Fort Jay, on Governor’s Island, New York, he retired in 1956.</div>
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Throughout his career Johnny was characterized as a caring leader who loved the Army and the men with whom he served. Early in World War II, when he commanded a training regiment at Fort Benning, he made it a point to help soldiers with problems, especially the men from towns around Passaic, New Jersey. This loyalty and compassion was a lifelong characteristic nurtured by his love for country, family and friends.</div>
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As a husband and a father, Johnny again had few equals. He shared with Marjorie a full life which spanned high school, cadet life and 57 years of marriage. Together, with love and understanding, they survived the many challenges which Army life invariably brings. The separations, uncertainties, and hardships, however, brought them even closer. Three sons, who have all served in the military—one currently as a general officer-are further testimony to his memory.</div>
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Colonel John Roosma, the legend, but more importantly, Johnny Roosma the man, touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. Even in retirement he continued to leave his mark of excellence as executive director of the United Fund and as Commandant of Cadets at Bordentown Military Institute. Few can claim his legacy of athletic excellence and enduring professional camaraderie. This same prowess made him a premier soldier who embodied the leadership traits coveted by all who adhere to the precepts of “Duty Honor Country.” He embraced these three tenets and made them an integral part of his life. So many gained from this dynamic dedication—his country, soldiers, family and friends. He touched our lives with his sheer presence, and his memory will endure through generations to come.</div>
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Johnny was an accomplished tenor who reveled in song wherever he was. His favorite refrain was the closing verse of the “Alma Mater:”</div>
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“...And when our work is done may it be said well done, be thou at peace.”</div>
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Johnny, from all of us—WELL DONE!</div>