2017 Inductee

Jim graduated from Northeastern High School in 1964 where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, earning a total of eight varsity letters which was especially impressive considering freshmen were not eligible for high school athletics in that era. Jim attended Miami University on a baseball scholarship earning three varsity letters as a catcher.

Upon graduating from Miami in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Science, Physical Education/Health, and Driver's Education, Jim came home to the Northeastern Local School District to begin his legendary career at South Vienna Junior High School. He taught math, physical education, health and coached three athletic teams. In 1971, Jim returned to Northeastern where he would remain until his retirement in 2008, teaching subjects including physical education, health, and driver's education courses and coaching a variety of athletic teams.

During his tenure as Athletic Director, Jim served as the guiding force for the following initiatives:

• Worked with the Booster Club to oversee the 11 year State Fair Project that provided nearly $900,000 in revenue for the high school field house, tennis courts, all weather track, and football stadium bleachers.

• Built new baseball and softball fields; added new lighting and scoreboards for the football field.

• Served as a charter member and one of the founding Athletic Directors to create and organize the Ohio Heritage Conference, and later served as OHC Commissioner until retiring from that position in 2017.

Jim's greatest passion was for coaching and in 1977 he became the women's basketball coach and dedicated 22 years to the program. Jim's teams amassed nearly 200 career wins, with the 1986-87 team posting a perfect 20-0 regular season mark for the only undefeated season in school history and Jim was named Southwest District Coach of the Year.

There are no better words to sum up the incredible impact of Jim's legacy on the Northeastern community than those shared by his beloved wife Abby and his daughters Shari and Shana. “As a student athlete, teacher, athletic director and coach, our Dad has helped build the community and character of Northeastern High School. Whether in the spotlight as Coach of the Year or behind the scenes selling tickets or cutting grass, Dad was the glue that held the athletic programs together and a key part of the driving force behind the school's success.”