1937
James
2018
James E. "Jim" Waugh
July 26, 1937 — September 4, 2018
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Lila Weeks Waugh; daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Bryan Sponsler of Terre Haute; three grandsons, Dakota, Ross and John Sponsler; an aunt and uncle, Betty and Frank Chaney of Ruskin, FL, several cousins; a sister-in-law, Jan Weeks of Lake Ozark, MO; and nieces and nephews, Mike, De, Darcey and Lila. Coach Waugh is also survived by hundreds of students and players, many of whom went on to become coaches themselves. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Jane Ellen Waugh.
Jim was a graduate of Garfield High School and served in the US Naval Reserves. Continuing his education, he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Indiana State University. Jim played football, basketball, and baseball throughout his youth, at Garfield, and at ISU. He started his teaching and coaching career at Fisher (IL) High School and Marshall (IL) High School. Jim worked the rest of his career at Mount Vernon Community College (IL), which became Rend Lake College. The gymnasium on campus at RLC is named for him. He is credited with developing the Basic First Aid course and the Substance Use and Abuse course at the college. At RLC, he coached athletes in nearly every sport in which the college had teams, both men and women, and served as athletic director. He was named to both the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Rend Lake College Hall of Fame. After retirement, Jim served as a supervisor of student teachers at Indiana State University. He also enjoyed his time with ISU's football and basketball teams as color commentator on both radio and TV, and his great friendships with coaches and players there.
As "Papa," Jim spent many happy hours in the stands at baseball and basketball games, as well as in the audience of plays, musicals, and concerts. He treasured time with his wife and family, and especially his grandsons.
He was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church. His faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ led him to be kind, generous, and determined to get through life's struggles.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 8, 2018 in Memorial United Methodist Church, 2701 Poplar Street, with Reverend Scott Johnson officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the church. There will also be a gathering take place at the James "Hummer" Waugh Gymnasium at Rend Lake College at 1:00 PM CST on Sunday, September 9, 2018. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. If friends should so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 2701 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803 or to Rend Lake College Foundation, 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Foundation.
Memorial tributes and funeral information may also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. "Jim" Waugh, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, September 7, 2018
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Memorial United Methodist Church
Memorial Services
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Memorial United Methodist Church
Guestbook
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