Pasadena Junior College alumnus Hank Ives, who published national community college football rankings for 48 years with his comprehensive "JC Gridwire," passed away on Dec. 31 at the age of 92. 

 

 

Ives attended then PJC in the 1940s before enlisting in the Navy at age 18 and serving as a signalman on the SS Francis Parkman. After his service in World War II, he enrolled at USC to study journalism. He created the JC Gridwire in 1960 and produced not only the national rankings but an annual listing of JC All-Americans. As late as 2001, now Pasadena City College Sports Hall of Famers Jonathan Smith and Nathan Chandler were that annual's only All-American backfield from one college in the history of the publication after the Lancers went 10-1 and captured the Mission Conference championship.

 

Ives and his publication's extensive contributions earned him berths in the California Junior College Coaches Hall of Fame, as well as the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He was briefly a columnist for the Pasadena Star-News.

 

During the 1970s and 1980s, Ives' diverse career included working with the Special Events Department of the Los Angeles Times, promoting such major events as the L.A. Rams Charity Game, Pro Bowl, indoor/outdoor track meets and many more. His connection to motor sports started in 1975, when he became a key figure in the successful launching of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, now America's most successful street race, which enters its 45th year in April.

 

He also was the publicist for such international racing stars as Mario and Michael Andretti, Geoff Brabham and Nigel Mansell. 

 

During his lifetime he was a member of the PCC Good Old Boys, Pasadena Optimist Club, his hometown Balboa Island Historical Museum and served as president of the Pasadena Jaycees in 1960. He is survived by his wife Joan, nine children (sons Tim Ives, Brad Amster, Steve Amster, and Jeff Amster; daughters Sandra Garcia, Debra Schultz (Doug), Sharon Allen, Susan Amster, and Linda Vitullo (Ralph), 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Per his request, no funeral or services will be held and his ashes will be scattered at sea.