John H. Wagner
John ("Jack") H. Wagner was born on January 31, 1893, in Brunnental, Russia, the son of George Wagner.
Jack Wagner was a boxer and promoter. Wagner won the northwest lightweight and welterweight championships as an amateur in 1912 and later as one of Portland's leading professionals. According to The Oregonian newspaper, he was considered "a standout boxer in the day when the mitt game flourished here." In an August 1917 article, The Oregonian also described Wagner as a "two-fisted lightweight meteor who has won his last 12 bouts."
Wagner hung up his gloves and retired from boxing around 1920.
In 1921, Wagner was hired as the boxing and wrestling instructor for the Armory Athletic Association, a group of over 600 national guardsmen. An article in The Oregonian stated, "Wagner has a way all of his own in developing a green man into a good boxer and fighter in a remarkably short time. Last year, he turned two Pacific Northwest association champions out of five entries."
Wagner also managed Benny Pelz, Eddie Robinson, and other professional fighters.
Jack Wagner died on December 17, 1941, at the age of 48, after a year of illness following a stroke. He left a widow, Helen, and a son, Jack H. Wagner Jr.
Jack Wagner was a boxer and promoter. Wagner won the northwest lightweight and welterweight championships as an amateur in 1912 and later as one of Portland's leading professionals. According to The Oregonian newspaper, he was considered "a standout boxer in the day when the mitt game flourished here." In an August 1917 article, The Oregonian also described Wagner as a "two-fisted lightweight meteor who has won his last 12 bouts."
Wagner hung up his gloves and retired from boxing around 1920.
In 1921, Wagner was hired as the boxing and wrestling instructor for the Armory Athletic Association, a group of over 600 national guardsmen. An article in The Oregonian stated, "Wagner has a way all of his own in developing a green man into a good boxer and fighter in a remarkably short time. Last year, he turned two Pacific Northwest association champions out of five entries."
Wagner also managed Benny Pelz, Eddie Robinson, and other professional fighters.
Jack Wagner died on December 17, 1941, at the age of 48, after a year of illness following a stroke. He left a widow, Helen, and a son, Jack H. Wagner Jr.
Sources
The Oregonian Historical Archive
The Brunnental Database courtesy of Sherrie Stahl
The Brunnental Database courtesy of Sherrie Stahl
Last updated October 7, 2025