He was persistent. He was loyal. But most of all he was a friend of Pennsylvania High School football. "Stokes" was involved in football across the state. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches’ Association. He was a major partner in the Lezzer Lumber All-Star Game and he was extremely active in the District 6 Football Coaches' Association. As a member of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (PA Chapter), Gawen was one of the hardest workers on the Board. He was proud of the area athletes who distinguished themselves on the field and in the classroom. Stokes made a name for himself as an innovator in high school football, perhaps being the first to bring the 'polecat' to our area. He coached at Bald Eagle Area, Trinity (Washington, PA) and more recently at Indian Valley High School (now part of the Mifflin County jointure).

Frank Rocco, executive director of the Central PA Chapter says, "J. Gawen Stoker was a leader of men and boys and a great friend to many, many people. As Executive Director of the Pa. Scholastic Football Coaches Assoc. and a valued member of the Central Pa. Chapter of the National Football Foundation board of directors, his leadership and organizational skills were invaluable. Neither organization will ever be the same without him and he is missed by many."