Athletics
David Husmann, 67
December 18, 2020.
Sacred Heart Catholic School, Hallettsville, TX
Football Coach
David Husmann, a two-sport athlete at the University of Houston in the early 1970s who went on to become one of the winningest coaches in Texas high school football history, died on Friday. He was 67.
His death, at South Austin Medical Center, was confirmed by his daughter, Angie Ebrey, who said the cause was complications from COVID-19.
Husmann spent parts of three seasons as the backup and eventual starter at quarterback for the Cougars, including Bluebonnet Bowl appearances and final top-15 rankings in the 1973 and ’74 seasons.
As the backup, Husmann scored the final touchdown for No. 14 Houston in a 47-7 win over Tulane in the 1973 Bluebonnet Bowl at the Astrodome, completing a then-school record 11-1 season. The following year he led the run-based UH offense in passing with 524 yards as the Cougars finished 8-3-1 and tied North Carolina State 31-31 in the Bluebonnet Bowl.
Husmann later played catcher for the Cougars for two seasons from 1975-76.
After several stops as an assistant coach, Husmann built a dynasty in the early 1990s at Schulenburg, a Class 2A school about 95 miles west of Houston. During a five-year stretch from 1990-94, the Shorthorns went a combined 69-6 with two state championships and three perfect regular seasons.
Schulenburg won back-to-back state titles in 1991 and 1992. Under Husmann, Schulenburg won 139 games and made the state playoffs 11 times in 13 seasons from 1985-98.
He coached eight seasons at Gladewater, making a trip to the state semifinals in 2001, and five seasons at Weimar. He coached the Weimar girls golf team to a state title in 2011.
Husmann was never away from football for long, coming out of retirement on at least three occasions, his daughter said, including in August when he was asked to become athletic director and head coach at Hallettsville Sacred Heart.
Entering this year, Husmann had a career record 217-91-1 and 16 playoffs appearances in 26 seasons.
“He was his happiest on the football field,” Ebrey said. “He kept a sketchpad under his chair in the living room while he watched football on TV. He would write down plays and talk about them. I picture him in Heaven calling plays or walking up and down the sideline. It was his gift. He was definitely meant to do it. He loved football.”
A 1971 graduate of Madison High School in Houston, Husmann is survived by his wife and junior high sweetheart, Karen, and three children – Angie, Kristin and Bonnie – and 10 grandchildren. His father, Edward, played 11 seasons in the NFL with three teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (1960) and the Oilers (1961-65).
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Jeff Larson, 60
Died December 25, 2020.
Milton High School, Milton, FL
Science, Football Coach
Jeff Larson, a longtime Milton High School science teacher and football coach, passed away on Christmas Day due to COVID-19.
Larson was 60 years old and had been a teacher at Milton High for the past 25 years.
Santa Rosa County School District Superintendent Karen Barber confirmed Larson’s death to the News Journal, saying the school and entire Milton community had lost an incredible teacher and man and that he would be missed by his students and fellow faculty members.
“Jeff had been sick, he had not been in school for the previous two weeks (before Christmas break),” Barber said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “He had been in the hospital for several weeks receiving treatment for COVID before he passed away. It had been a long, very, very difficult treatment, they were trying to save his life.”
Larson’s wife teaches at Rhodes Elementary School and their daughter teaches at Pace High School, Barber said.
In a public Facebook post, former Milton Mayor Wesley Meiss honored his late coach and mentor, saying Larson was a “Christian (who) set an example for my own walk with Christ.”
“He was more than a coach; he was a mentor who helped set the stage for my adult life,” Meiss wrote. “Many have wondered just how he took a group of average/undersized offensive linemen and delivered them to the doorstep of a Florida State Championship? Answer: ‘Technique.’ … His technique turned young boys into the men we are today.”
Larson’s death is the latest in a string of COVID-19 deaths to rock the Milton High community.
The school’s longtime track and field coach Joe Austin died in July after battling the disease for many weeks, leaving behind his wife and young son. The school’s assistant principal, Benjie West, also lost his 80-year-old father to COVID on Christmas day. The elder Benjamin Howard West was laid to rest on Tuesday.
“We’ve had so many loved ones pass away, we’ve had mothers and fathers, spouses,” Barber said. “It’s just one of the worst things I’ve had to deal with as superintendent. We have monthly meetings with our senior staff, principals and vice principals, and this month I made us meet virtually, because having 70 people in a room right now maybe isn’t the best for mitigating the spread of the virus.”
Barber has consistently stood by her decision to keep Santa Rosa County schools open despite the rising COVID cases, saying health department inspectors have determined spread is not happening within the schools.
Barber said grief counselors will be available for students and faculty once school is back in session on Jan. 4.
Jamie Seitz, 51
Died December 27, 2020.
Lincoln Charter School, Denver, NC
Physical Education, Basketball, Volleyball, and Golf Coach
Teachers and students remembered a beloved Lincoln County teacher and coach, who died Sunday night after a weekslong battle with COVID-19.
Jamie Seitz coached basketball, volleyball and golf, and he was a physical education teacher in Denver at Lincoln Charter.
He spent weeks in a hospital and was put on a ventilator before passing away.
A vigil was held for Seitz Wednesday in the school gym.
“Great man,” teacher Donna Wells said. “Great friend. Caring coach, teacher, father, husband, just a great all-around man. And it’s a loss we will feel for a long time.”
Outside, people sat in their cars and listened to the service on the radio to safely honor the coach during COVID-19.
Several people spoke about how many lives Seitz touched.
The service was called “Shine the Light.” Everyone in attendance lit a candle or shined a flashlight in Seitz’s memory.
Seitz’s former basketball players said he was the type of teacher everyone in the school knew and loved.
“He did a lot of things to where it’s just a little bit to change a person’s life and that’s what Coach Seitz did,” Jeremy Collonia said. “It didn’t matter who it was. He touched everybody.”
“He was a very nice guy,” said Timothy Fowler, a senior. “He had a big open, heart for everyone.”
Seitz taught at the K-12 school for more than a decade.
“He kept the class very fun, made it entertaining,” Fowler said. “(He) made us want to go to that class.”
School leaders said Seitz wasn’t afraid to show his personality in class.
“He was a big Buffalo Bills fan,” said Jonathan Bryant, chief administrator. “He got all of his classes to do ‘Let’s go Buffalo’ chants.”
Monday night, the Bill’s official radio station in Buffalo talked about him.
“Got word today the Bills Nation lost a special fan down in Denver, North Carolina. Jamie Seitz, a native of Newfane. His father Denny was a longtime coach in Newfane. Jamie passed away last night due to complications from COVID. Our best wishes to his family, his wife Liz and children Carter and Peyton.”
Lincoln Charter said it is teaching virtually until at least Jan. 11.
Donnie Kirksey, 57
Died December 28, 2020.
Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Chicago, IL
Dean of Students, Basketball Coach
Donnie Kirksey was a lifelong Chicagoan who helped thousands of basketball players during his career as a coach. Kirksey, 57, died from complications of the COVID-19 virus, the morning of December 28. He was the head boys’ basketball coach at Chicago Vocational Career Academy at the time of his death.
Kirksey served as an assistant coach at DePaul, Chicago State University and University of Illinois-Chicago during his career.
“The UIC Athletic Department and men’s basketball program is saddened to learn about the passing of former men’s basketball assistant coach Donnie Kirksey,” began a statement from UIC Sports Information Director Dan Wallace. “A legendary figure in the Chicago basketball community, Donnie was a beloved member of the Flames Family during his years at UIC from 2010-14. Donnie played a vital role in the Flames reaching the postseason for the first time in nine years in 2013. On behalf of the entire UIC community, our thoughts and condolences go out to Donnie’s friends and family.”
Known as a jovial and fun guy off the court and a stern tactician while on the bench, Kirksey was revered by all in the community. He was often seen at his favorite restaurants on the South Side speaking to all those who knew him. A charismatic guy, Kirksey was the kind of person who made others feel good.
“Donnie brought smiles to the faces of people wherever he went,” said retired basketball coach Rick Harrigan. “He was just a fun guy who really loved and knew basketball.”
The year 2020 has been especially hard on the basketball coaching community in Chicago.
Kirksey’s death comes just two weeks after former UIC Head Coach Jimmy Collins passed away. Earlier this year, former legendary King High School Coach Sonny Cox passed away. This spring, Steve Hudson, who was a large figure on the travel basketball scene and who along with his wife helped hundreds of basketball players achieve college scholarships, passed away from COVID-19.
He played his high school ball at Chicago Vocational. He was excited when presented the opportunity to return to the school. Kirksey was known as a coach who could see any player, see his potential and make him better, said those who knew him.
Coach Kirksey also served as the head basketball coach and athletic director at Hyde Park Academy from 2007-10. He spent three and half years (2001-04) in Los Angeles where he worked for SFX Basketball Group, LLC. While there, he worked with several high-profile professional basketball clients, helping athletes transition into professional life.
Kirksey graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Management in 1985. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He and his wife lived in the Pill Hill community.
Phillip Jimenez, 49
Died December 22, 2020.
Sam Houston High School, San Antonio, TX
Special Education, Football Coach
Considered a father figure to many of the athletes at Sam Houston, Hurricanes assistant football coach Phil Jimenez died Tuesday morning.
He was 49.
Jimenez had been hospitalized with COVID-19 since Dec. 15 and had been on a ventilator since Dec. 17. On Tuesday, Jimenez went into cardiac arrest and died.
“We’re heartbroken and devastated,” said Debra Jimenez-Munoz, Phil’s sister. “We were really praying for a miracle. We knew the chances were slim. We feel robbed. COVID’s taken a lot of people, and now, my brother.”
Jimenez was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Burbank in 1989, Jimenez attended Southwest Texas State (now Texas State), to study acting. After pursuing that field for several years, Jimenez contacted his defensive line coach at Burbank — George De Leon — about what he needed to do to get into coaching.
De Leon told him he needed to get a teaching certificate. And once he did that, he eventually made his way to the Sam Houston football staff seven years ago when he became De Leon’s coaching colleague with the Hurricanes.
De Leon first became acquainted Jimenez at Burbank when he needed a nose guard to fill a varsity spot for a scrimmage against Judson.
“They told me he was a freshman, and I said I don’t care,” said De Leon, who retired last year. “From what I’ve seen the last two weeks, he does a good job, and he’s very good at it. … He wasn’t the best defensive tackle I’ve ever had, but he was the best you could ask for when the time came. He rose to the occasion. He was tough and he was smart. That was the thing. You taught him one thing, and he knew it.”
Quincy Stewart, who just completed his first season as the Hurricanes’ head coach said Jimenez made an immediate impression on him when he first arrived at the Sam Houston campus.
“His love for Sam and the relationship-building ability with the community just spoke volumes to me,” Stewart said. “He was truly loved by the community and the school and he was a real big asset to my coaching staff.”
Jimenez-Munoz said her brother found coaching to be a rewarding profession.
“He was a father figure for many of the kids that perhaps didn’t even have a father or much of a home life,” Jimenez-Munoz said. “He was influential for many.”
Stewart said Jimenez carried an upbeat demeanor.
“Phil always had a smile on his face no matter what the day was or how the day went,” Stewart said. “He’d always say, ‘Coach, there’s a brighter side to these things.’ He always made sure that you would see the brighter things.”
Jimenez was the defensive line coach in football and coached baseball, soccer and track.
“We’re dealing with it tough,” Stewart said. “It’s going to be hard to move on with somebody who meant so much to our program.”
Jimenez-Munoz said the school is planning a memorial service and planting a tree in his name. The team will wear a “PJ” patch on their uniforms next season.
“This is not a thing we’ll let go,” Stewart said. “He’ll be on our coaching staff for a while, and we’ll honor him in everything we do as long as I’m at Sam Houston.”
John Krol, 40
Died December 20, 2020.
Swift Creek Middle School, Clayton, NC
Mathematics, Science, Football and Baseball Coach
A longtime Johnston County teacher and coach died Sunday from COVID-19 complications, say friends and colleagues now mourning his death.
John Krol, 40, taught seventh grade science at Swift Creek Middle School in Clayton. He died after experiencing a blood clot in his lung, principal Kerri Evans said in an email.
Lisa Krol told CBS17 her husband had a temperature and felt tired last week but continued to teach online.
“It’s his calling. Like teaching, coaching,” shr told the station. “He loved what he did and he loved his school and he loved his students.”
Krol’s death comes as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise across North Carolina and the country.
At Swift Creek, 11 students and four staff members are under active quarantines, according to the Johnston County Public Schools dashboard.
Johnston County’s schools had in-person classes until the beginning of December, but reverted to online learning at least until Jan. 15, after the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services determined the county had critical community spread based on its case rate, percentage of positive cases and the impact on hospitals.
“He (Krol) has been an integral part of who we are today because of his commitment and dedication to students through teaching, coaching and mentoring at Swift Creek and the greater community,” Evans said in a statement. “The passing of Mr. Krol is a loss for our Swift Creek Wolf PACK and he will be greatly missed by our staff, students, and community.”
Krol, a father to five children, began teaching at Clayton Middle School after he moved to Johnston County from Ohio in 2003. He taught at McGee’s Crossroads Middle School for many years before joining Swift Creek when it opened in 2017. He was its head coach for football and baseball.
“I’m talking to several of his colleagues and friends and we are still struggling with this,” Krol’s friend John Wood wrote in a text message.
John was one of the most positive, loving, compassionate people I’ve ever known, and he loved ALL of his students,” wrote Wood, who taught with Krol at McGee’s Crossroads. “This is just a horrible, senseless tragedy,”
FAMILY IN QUARANTINE
Lisa Krol had written in a Facebook post that the family was quarantining Dec. 19.
“We kind of thought everybody was probably OK from her being casual about the post,” said April Jones Lee, a friend and former coworker. But Krol began having trouble breathing, his health declined quickly and he died Sunday, Lee said.
Lee and Krol taught sixth- and seventh-grade geography and math at McGee’s Crossroads. Their children were friends, too.
“He was an encourager and concentrated on their (the students’) potential and not letting each other down and not letting them fail,” Lee said. “Whatever he did in the classroom was also reflected in his life and the kind of person he was.”
Lee said it is going to be very difficult for students and the community.
“You can’t lose a member of a school family, the community without acknowledging it and dealing with the emotions of the kids who are in his classes,” she said. “And I know Johnston County Public Schools will do a phenomenal job of having support in the building when kids come back. It’s going to be a hard day.”
Lee is also the president of the Johnston County Association of Educators. Krol’s death has been hard on teachers as well.
“We’re just incredibly sad, and at the same time, we’re incredibly angry,” because nobody mentions the adults in conversations about reopening schools, she said. “We have families with children and fathers and mothers.”
“I want us to be open. I just want us to be able to open safely. I don’t want to think that we can lose somebody else,” Lee said.
DECIDING WHETHER TO REOPEN SCHOOLS
Lee hopes the decision about whether or not to reopen Johnston County schools after Jan. 15 is based on data.
Johnston County has had more than 10,000 COVID-19 cases, according to the county’s website. There had been 97 deaths and 62 people currently hospitalized as of Monday. Roughly 1,500 children in the county have tested positive.
Tristen Alexander, 21, one of Kroll’s former seventh-graders, said he remembers Krol fondly as a coach.
Alexander played soccer and ran track at McGee’s Crossroads. He described Krol cheering the team on from the sidelines during matches.
“No matter what the score, he would say, ‘Just go out there, have the best time you can,’” Alexander said. “He is probably the best coach I’ve had.”
Alexander said Krol taught him lessons he will never forget. One day, the soccer players messed up some equipment in the gym. It was not immediately clear who did it. Instead of identifying a single person to punish, Krol taught the boys to be a team by making all of them do sprints as a punishment.
Amy Peterson, president of Swift Creek’s Parent Teacher Student Association, said Krol taught her son science in the seventh grade.
“I’m going to miss seeing him,” she said. “He was one of those funny (teachers), always keeping things entertained.”
Krol gave his students tough love, but always let them know he cared, Peterson said.
“My soon-to-be fifth-grader will be going there (Swift Creek),” she added. “I wish he could have been there.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover Krol’s funeral arrangements and future expenses for his family at tinyurl.com/yccunn2z.
Krol’s family has asked for cards or notes written to Krol’s children about how he has impacted people in the community, Evans wrote in an email to Swift Creek parents. Cards can be mailed to Swift Creek Middle School, 325 Norris Road, Clayton, NC 27520 (attention Krol Memorial) or dropped off after Jan. 4.
Jamie Sheffield, 60
Died December 16, 2020.
Bethel Middle School, Bryant, AR
Special Education, Cheer Coach,
Jmie Lynnette Sheffield, 60, of Bryant passed away December 16, 2020. She was born August 6, 1960 in Longview, Texas to James and Annette Sheffield. Jamie was a loved mom and Mimi. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy! Jamie was a pianist and an avid Razorback and Cowboys football fan. Jamie was an educator for over 30 years, and has been with the Bryant Public schools for the last 20 years. She was a Special Education teacher and Cheer Coach at Bethel Middle School. She will be missed by all the lives she touched as an educator and coach. Those left to cherish her memory are her parents: James and Annette Sheffield; children: Jeanna (Chad) Bartelt, Justin Hefner, Jordan (Keaton) McClintock, Jacob Hefner, and Jennifer (Jacob) Stepp; grandchildren: Camden, Gracey, Abbigail, Presley, Callee, and Kinslee; and sister, Kellie Sheffield.
Ellis Booth, 55
Died December 5, 2020.
Heath High School, Heath, OH
Athletic Director
Heath – Ellis Edward Booth, of Heath, passed away the afternoon of December 5, 2020, at the age of 55.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Debbie (Yochheim) Booth, children, Madison Booth & Payton Booth, and younger brother, Mike Booth. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Booth & Brenda (Hankins) Booth and grandparents Clifford Hankins and Mildred (Wheeler) Hankins. A private, socially – distanced memorial service for the family will be held this week with a service for the community to follow in the future.
Ellis, E, or EB to family and friends, was the first child born to Ed and Brenda Booth of Columbus, OH, on Dec 21, 1964. Ed worked as a geologist for AEP, moving the family around to several states including Michigan and Ohio, landing them in Ravenswood, West Virginia for Ellis’s high school years. Ellis was a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He went on to study Social Studies at The Ohio State University, later earning his masters of education at Ashland University. He met Debbie while teaching in Newcomerstown, OH in 1988. The two were married on the hottest day of the year on July 20, 1991 at East Chippewa Church of the Brethren in Orville, OH, near Debbie’s hometown.
The two moved to London, Ohio, in 1992 where Ellis was the in-school suspension monitor and coached football, baseball, and girls basketball. They welcomed their first child, Madison, in April of 1995 and Payton in 1998 after moving to Delaware, OH. The family stayed in Delaware until 2001 when Ellis heard of an opening for an Athletic Director/Assistant Principal position at Heath High School in Heath, OH. Ellis got the job and the family became bulldogs.
Ellis served as AD/AP from 2001-2006. From 2006 – 2008 Ellis juggled the roles of AD, AP, and principal, assuming the latter role from 2008 – 2016. In his time as principal Ellis was responsible for running the annual district wrestling tournament, the beautification of the hallways with murals and school activity photos, and the Heath High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Booth was able to return to his true calling in 2016 as athletic director, being responsible for the new victory bell and his passion project, the new turf football field.
Up front, Ellis was known for his quiet, professional demeanor, but everyone he opened up to appreciated his quick sarcastic wit, his never-ending wisdom, and objective advice. Truly a well-rounded individual, Ellis loved yelling at a television football game as much as he loved singing along to his favorite musical, West Side Story. He loved Debbie, the outdoors, and his Pudelpointer puppy, Henry. He dreamed of traveling the country in his rooftop tent, seeing more mountains and high points, hunting, and fishing. His support of Payton and Madison in their endeavors was never ending, and his love for Heath athletics was clearly reflected in his work.
Ellis’s family would like to extend a special thank you to David and Donna Linn of Heath Church of Christ for his support and council during this time. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Licking Memorial who worked directly to care for Ellis as if he were their own family. Last but not least, the Booth family would like to give a huge thank you to the Heath Bulldog community and school district for their continuous love and support. In Ellis’s memory, in lieu of sympathetic gifts, donations may be made to the Heath Athletics Boosters in his name for use in future projects.
Keith Henry, 54
Died December 5, 2020.
Coalfield School, Coalfield, TN
Assistant Principal, Football Coach
Curtis Keith Henry, age 54, of Coalfield, Tennessee (formerly of Scott County, TN), passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020. He was born on May 7, 1966 to Dolphus and Brenda Pemberton Henry. Keith was married to Pamela (Japp) Henry for 28 years. His children Chastin and Coalton were the light of his life and loved beyond measure. He was a member of Barton Chapel Congregational Church in Robbins, Tennessee but presently attended Mt. Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Coalfield.
Keith graduated from Oneida High School in 1984. He also graduated from Tennessee Technological University in December 1990 and began his teaching career at Oneida High School. Keith taught American History and had one of the first 21st Century classrooms at Oneida. He also served as the first School to Career Coordinator and was an Assistant Principal at Oneida High School. He began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1989 as a volunteer coach under his former high school coach and mentor Jim May. In 1991, Keith joined the staff full time and was blessed to help coach the State Championship Team in 1992. In 2005, Keith was fortunate to join Coach Gary Kreis’ Coalfield Yellow Jacket Football Staff. In 2008, Keith became head coach of the Coalfield Yellow Jackets. Keith served as Assistant Principal and Head football coach at Coalfield School. His coaching record during his tenure at Coalfield was 115 wins and 48 losses. The 2020 season was record-setting in Coalfield-undefeated season, most school wins in a season and a Semi-Finals appearance. He attributed all of the success through the years to having the best coaching staff in East Tennessee and the best players one could ever hope to coach.
One of Keith’s favorite quotes was from Coach Paul Bear Bryant, “There are a lot of lessons in football that are very difficult to teach in the home, in the church, or in the classroom. They’re easy to teach on the football field, and if the players don’t learn these lessons, then football is not very worthwhile. The lessons are simple: first of all, there’s work and sacrifice; you have to do a lot of that. Then there’s discipline. Then comes teamwork and cooperation. I’ve read a lot about successful men. They don’t do it alone. It always takes a team.”
Keith was preceded in death by his beloved father, Dolphus Henry and father-in-law William Japp.
Keith is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pamela Japp Henry. Daughter Chastin Kade Henry and son Coalton Kash Henry. Mother, Brenda Henry. Brother Jared and wife Christina. Special niece and nephew, Leeah Marie and AJ Henry. Mother-in-Law, Donna Japp of Jefferson City, TN. Sister-in-law, Jennifer Japp of Foley, Alabama. Special Family Members: Shawn Basler, Jason Wilson, James Bales, Shelley Burgess, Grey Dad, Howard Stinnett, Matt Murphy, David Treece, Kelly Norman, Rebecca Owens, Greg Addington, Brian Langley, All Present and Former Football Players and H2O squads. Several very special Aunts, Syble (Ervin) Stringfield, Velma (Dickie) Purser, Eunice Henry. Uncles, Ralph (Flora) Pemberton, Ledford Henry, Winford (Betty) Henry and many special cousins.
Whether it was winning a football game or having a great day at school, Coach loved to see people smile and be happy, so to honor that we will have a Celebration of Life in his honor. This Celebration will be held in the Coalfield High School Gymnasium on Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 10:00, am to 1:00 pm. There will be a brief service at 1:00 and internment at the Estes-Western Cemetery in Coalfield immediately following. If anyone would like to write down a special memory they have of Coach Henry there will be a place where you can leave your written remembrance for the family. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Coalfield High School Football PO Box 98 Coalfield, TN 37719
Jeremy Morgan, 44
Died December 6, 2020.
Forney High School, Forney, TX
Football and softball coach
On Sunday, December 6, 2020, Jeremy William Morgan went to be with the Lord at the age of 44. Jeremy was born on June 5, 1976 in West Memphis, Arkansas, to William and Thelma (Young) Morgan. He spent his early years in Arkansas, and then was raised in Waxahachie, Texas. He played on the State Champion football team in 1992, and graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1994. On July 12, 1997, he married Teri Susanne Butler. At Southern Methodist University, Jeremy was a four-year letterman and graduated with honors in 1998. He and Teri raised three children, Addie, William, and Hannah in Waxahachie, and Jeremy coached little league, baseball, softball, and basketball for his children and countless other young ones. After many years in the business world, Jeremy chose to step back and pursue the Lord’s calling on his life to be a high school football coach and teacher. He taught and coached at Waxahachie High School from 2016 to 2018, and began at Forney High School in the fall of 2018.
Jeremy was a beloved husband, a devoted father, an esteemed brother, a cherished son, an admired uncle, and a friend to many. He had a relationship with the Lord from a young age, and he lived his life so that others may come to know the Lord too. Jeremy was a man of integrity, who did things not for the glory or praise, but because they were the right thing to do. He was a man of his word, and was wise beyond his years. Jeremy knew how to have fun and celebrate life’s victories, but did not shy away from walking through the valley with those who needed him.
Jeremy was an example of Christ in the way he loved his family, his students, and his athletes. Jeremy’s love for his wife was unwavering; they were teammates in all that life took them through. As a father, he lived out the principles of a “R.E.A.L. Man:” he rejected passivity, empathized with others, accepted responsibility, and led courageously. It was not just something that he talked about, but something that he modeled for his children and everyone around him. Jeremy valued knowledge, and was eager to impart it to each student in his classroom. He loved teaching because he got to share his knowledge. He loved coaching because he got to share his heart. It was his joy to see boys grow into men, and to be a part of each of their stories on and off the field. Many lives, young and old, in both Waxahachie and Forney were impacted by Coach J-Mo because of his care and intention to be present. He lived out AYGATT- “All You Got, All The Time,” not just in front of the team, but his family, friends, coworkers, and most importantly, the Lord. He was a good and faithful servant to the end.
Jeremy is survived by his wife, Teri, his three children, Addie, William, and Hannah, his father, William, his mother, Thelma, his brothers, Joshua and Jonathan and their families, and a host of others. Visitation will be at Connect4LIFE Church (1971 John Arden Dr, Waxahachie, TX) on Wednesday, December 9, 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Waxahachie Bible Church (621 N. Grand, Waxahachie, TX) at 1 o’clock p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an account set up in Jeremy’s name at Interbank in Waxahachie, TX. All donations will be used to create a scholarship fund in his name.