2025 Hall of Fame

Please join us on Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Carty Fox Commons as we welcome and congratulate the new class of St. John’s Jesuit Hall of Famers! The evening includes food, drinks, and a ticket to the SJJ Varsity Football game as SJJ takes on Central Catholic. Please dress for the weather and a football game! This year’s inductees are:

Justin Daler `89

A 1989 graduate of St. John’s Jesuit, Justin excelled in track and field as a pole vaulter. Justin credits Dave Drewyor as his favorite teacher as well as coach during his time at SJJ.

He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee, earning his Bachelor of Science degree before returning to Ohio to attend the University of Toledo College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor.

Justin has dedicated his legal career to public service as an attorney and public defender. He currently serves as the Chief Public Defender for Wood County, where he advocates for those in need of legal representation. His commitment to justice and his community reflects the values instilled during his Jesuit education.

Justin is married to Kristin, and together they have three children: Cassandra, Gunnar, and Tatum. When he’s not in the courtroom, Justin enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends, maintaining an active lifestyle that reflects his athletic background and appreciation for nature.

** Fun Fact: ** Justin achieved a remarkable milestone by competing in the 1992 US Olympic Track and Field Trials.

Jake Epperson `08

Dr. Jake Epperson is a practicing surgeon in the Chicago metropolitan area. During his tenure at St. John’s Jesuit (SJJ), he distinguished himself as an exceptional student-athlete, earning two state championships in swimming—specifically in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200-yard individual medley. Throughout his high school career, he established seven swimming records and received three Most Valuable Player awards.

Following his graduation from SJJ, Jake continued his academic and athletic pursuits at the University of Tennessee, where he competed as a member of the swimming team while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science. His collegiate swimming experience further developed his competitive excellence and teamwork skills.

Jake’s senior year at SJJ marked a historic season for the Titans swimming program. The team achieved remarkable success, securing victories against premier state competitors including Northview, Southview, Perrysburg, and St. Francis. The season culminated in thirteen meet victories, highlighted by a significant upset victory over St. Francis in the District Championships—ending the Knights’ unprecedented 43-year winning streak in that competition.

His athletic legacy at SJJ remains firmly established, as Jake continues to hold six school records. His individual records include the 200-yard individual medley, 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 100-yard breaststroke. Additionally, he contributed to relay records in both the 200-yard medley relay and 400-yard freestyle relay.

Currently completing his surgical residency, Dr. Epperson continues to demonstrate the dedication and excellence that characterized his academic and athletic achievements at St. John’s Jesuit.

Fun fact: Jake states that one of his special talents is the ability to fall asleep in practically any position at any time.

James Eyster `70

James, known as “Jason,” a 1970 graduate of St. John’s Jesuit, was actively involved in cross-country, the Cavalier newspaper, yearbook, theater, Quiz Bowl, and the Junior Council on World Affairs. He fondly remembers Father Sweeney as his favorite teacher during his time at SJJ.

Jason pursued his undergraduate education at Princeton University, earning his A.B., followed by his J.D. from Fordham Law School, where he founded and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Fordham International Law Journal. He built a distinguished legal career as a partner at Lovell, Stewart, Halebian, and Jacobson, specializing in immigration and refugee rights.

Throughout his career, Jason has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to public service and social justice. His extensive community involvement includes serving as President of the Chelsea School District Board of Education, Co-Chair of the Michigan Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and National Coordinator of the Immigrant Children Lawyers Network. He has held academic positions as Associate Professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Assistant Clinical Professor at Ave Maria School of Law, and Visiting Professor at Peking University School of Transnational Law. His advocacy work extends to serving as an advisor to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and participating in United Nations forums on human dignity.

Beyond his legal career, Jason is a talented musician and creative artist. He has received two Michigan Council for the Arts Creative Artists Grants. He composed, wrote, and orchestrated “The Only Man in Town,” a musical celebrating Chelsea’s visionary Frank Glazier, and authored “Amanda and the Harp that Wasn’t There” for Folk Harp Magazine. His musical talents earned him second place at the 1996 Midwest Folk Harp Competition, and he has been profiled in International Who’s Who in Music and Who’s Who in America.

Jason is married to Diana Newman and is the father of four children: Athena, Teddy, Harold, and Artemis. His multifaceted life seamlessly blends legal advocacy, academic excellence, artistic expression, and community leadership, embodying the Jesuit ideals of service to others and the pursuit of justice.

Fun Fact: Jason plays the musical saw, sometimes performing with rock and roll bands.

Tom Harms - former faculty

A 1970 graduate of Bowsher High School, Tom went on to earn his B.A. in English from the University of Toledo and his M.A. in American Literature from Miami University of Ohio .

Tom dedicated his career to education as an English teacher at St. John’s Jesuit, where he served with distinction for decades. His leadership roles included English Department Chair for 8 years, Campus Ministry Director for 8 years, and Integrity Committee Director for 10 years. He also served as a devoted moderator for various student activities: the Cavalier for 10 years, the Promethean for 12 years, and cheerleading for 3 years. His favorite teacher during his own education was Bader Cassin, S.J., who taught him English in ninth grade.

Tom is married to Toni and is the proud father of Hannah Mickael and Adam Harms. He cherishes his role as grandfather to Lucas Mickael, Maya Mickael, and Jillian Harms. During the pandemic, when his daughter’s maternity leave ended, Tom embraced his “Papa Harms” duties with enthusiasm, packing his lunch each morning to babysit his new grandson for nine months—an experience he describes as truly enjoyable once his parenting instincts took over.

Fun fact: ** Tom notes that he may be the only student ever expelled from St. John’s High School to later be inducted into the SJJ Hall of Fame.

Edward T. Hobbs USN(Ret.) `81

Commander, United States Navy (Retired)

Born December 17, 1963, in Toledo, Ohio, Edward T. Hobbs dedicated his career to serving his country through military service and continued government work. A 1981 graduate who distinguished himself as Drum Major of the band, played freshman football, and participated in the Astronomy Club, Edward was particularly influenced by his mathematics teacher Norman Napier and band director Dr. Merrill Brown.

Edward earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Ohio State University in 1985, launching a distinguished 23-year career as a United States Naval Flight Officer on active duty. He later enhanced his military education with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College in 2004, achieving the rank of Commander.

Following his naval retirement, Edward continued serving the Department of the Navy for an additional 10 years as an Operations Research Analyst, bringing his total government service to over three decades.

Edward’s commitment to service extends well beyond his professional career into extensive community involvement. He has served as Past Grand Knight of a Knights of Columbus Council and actively participates in multiple church ministries, including serving on the Finance Council, Justice and Peace Committee, and Ways and Means Committee. He volunteers with the church food pantry, serves as an OCIA sponsor, and is part of the Landings Team that welcomes back lapsed Catholics. His dedication to education continues through his work as a tutor and mentor to elementary school students in grades 3-5.

In a testament to his ongoing connection to his alma mater, Edward served as a Senior Project Presenter following the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing his expertise with the next generation.

Currently residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife Beverly Turner Hobbs, Edward is the proud father of Brian Keith Moody.

Fun Fact: Despite his successful career as a Naval Flight Officer, Edward discovered during flight school that he was susceptible to airsickness in high-performance aircraft. While he would acclimate after 2-3 flights, any break from flying of more than two weeks would require him to get re-acclimated to high-speed maneuvers all over again.

Tim Matheney `85

Born November 29, 1966, in Walbridge, Ohio, Tim Matheney has built a distinguished career in educational leadership spanning over three decades. A 1985 graduate of St. John’s Jesuit, Tim excelled as Editor-in-Chief of the Cavalier, served as Executive Council Treasurer during his senior year, and was named Salutatorian while maintaining membership in the National Honor Society. He credits his favorite teacher, Tom Harms, as a significant influence during his formative years.

Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University in 1989, where his senior thesis, Heading for Home: Moses Fleetwood Walker’s Encounter with Racism in America, was selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s research library collection. He later completed his Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Michigan in 1997.

Tim’s educational career began at SJJ where he served as a Social Studies Teacher from 1989-1993 and Alumni/Annual Fund Director from 1993-1995. During this time, he also advised the yearbook and led student retreats, including the transformative Kairos retreats that would later influence his leadership philosophy.

His administrative career flourished with his appointment as Principal of South Brunswick High School in New Jersey from 2004-2012. Under his leadership, the school achieved national recognition, being named a National School of Character and listed by U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Best High Schools in America.”

Tim’s expertise in educational transformation led to his role as Chief Intervention Officer for the New Jersey Department of Education (2014-2015), followed by his position as Founding Executive Director of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders (2015-2017). Most recently, he served as Superintendent of Schools for South Portland, Maine, from 2021-2025.

Currently residing in Portland, Maine, with his spouse Kendric Chua, Tim has also contributed to educational discourse through his writing. In 2018, he published Leadership that Lasts: Seven Actions toward an Enduring Impact, a book that draws upon his St. John’s Jesuit experience, exploring concepts like Magis and reflecting on the joy of leading Kairos retreats.

Tim’s commitment to educational excellence extends to his community service, including his role as School Board Member for the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School in Philadelphia from 2018-2021.

Fun Fact: Tim’s Princeton senior thesis about baseball pioneer Moses Fleetwood Walker is housed in the research library of the Baseball Hall of Fame, bridging his academic interests in history and America’s pastime.

1998-99 Hockey Team

In our storied history, only a select few who have earned the title of state champion. During the winter of 1998-99, the St. John’s Jesuit hockey team transformed this aspiration into reality by claiming the Ohio High School Athletic Association State championship, though the title was stripped just two weeks later due to a technicality.

The foundation of the Titans’ achievements rested on the composure and guidance provided by eight seniors who formed the core of this championship squad. Senior co-captains Ben Assenmacher and Scott McKone paced the team offensively. The forward corps featured significant contributions from seniors Brad Schuller, Mike Zak, and Ryan Zdanowicz, each bringing relentless effort and passion to every shift. On defense, Brian Hartman anchored the blue line alongside the formidable duo of J.P. Henson and Brody Richter—dubbed the “Bash Brothers”—who excelled at reading the play and maintaining offensive pressure.

Among the season’s standout achievements was a perfect 3-0 record against St. Francis, along with tournament victories at the Tam O’Shanter Holiday Tournament, the St. John’s Invitational, and the Bowling Green/Huntington Bank tournament. The latter featured a memorable triumph over their longtime rivals, the Bowling Green Bobcats.

The Titans dominated the District playoffs, dispatching Worthington Findlay and Centerville to earn their place in the State Final Four. Despite treacherous winter conditions, hundreds of devoted fans braved a severe snowstorm to witness their team capture the state championship trophy. However, the celebration was short-lived when the SJJ community received shocking news just one week later: a player had been declared ineligible due to participation in club hockey during the regular season. While the Titans were forced to relinquish their trophy, their exceptional performance ultimately earned them a fifth-place national ranking.