James Tillman "Coach Jimmy" Austin Sr.

Austin Sr., James Tillman "Coach Jimmy" James "Coach Jimmy" Tillman Austin, Sr., 89, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004. "Coach" Austin was born in Greenwood and raised in Mooringsport. He was a graduate of Northwestern State University, received a master's degree in education from LSU and also received his plus 30 credits in education from McNeese State University. He spent 43 years in education, 29 years in coaching and 12 years as principal of LaGrange Middle School. He was past president of the Louisiana Coaches Association and served as executive secretary of the Louisiana Coaches Association. He was inducted into the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame in 1983. He was honored as American Press "Coach of the Year" in 1954 and 1958. He was also a member of the Louisiana Principal's Association, Rotary Club and Phi Delta Kappa. He had been active in L.R.T.A., A.A.R.P. and First Methodist Church of Lake Charles. Everywhere he coached, his teams were in play-offs … Mooringsport High School, Homer High School, Haynesville High School, Lake Charles High School and LaGrange Senior High School. His overall record was 174 wins, 82 losses and 12 ties. His 1954 and 1958 teams at Lake Charles High School won state championships. His teams also won 10 District and four Bi-District titles. The "James T. Austin Recreation Complex" at Boys & Girls Villages is funded in his honor. Mr. Austin was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Geraldine Cecilia Lyons Austin. He is survived by one son, Dr. James Tillman Austin Jr. of Lake Charles; one daughter, Arlene Rai Austin Earhart of Baton Rouge; four grandchildren, Craig Tillman Austin of New Orleans, Christian James Austin of Jackson Hole, Wyo., Erin Eva Earhart Cook of New Orleans and Austin Tillman Earhart of Baton Rouge; two stepgrandchildren, John Jason Ates of Lake Charles and Jacob Wesley Ates of Houston; two great-grandchildren, Cecilia Elizabeth Cook and William Lyons Cook; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Atticus Aidan Ates and Andrew Austin Ates; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. The Rev. Doug DeGraffenried and the Rev. Jim Humphreys of First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles will officiate. A committal service will follow at Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and after 9 a.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles or Boys and Girls Villages of Lake Charles. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at http://www.mem.com.