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James Fox Obituary
Jim died Friday, August 11, 2006, at the Kahl Home for the Aged following an extended illness. James Francis Fox was born February 18, 1922, in Chicago, the son of William F. and Catherine (McBrearty) Fox. Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Iowa in 1942 and his Master in 1947 from Northern Colorado University. He served his county in the Marine Corps during World War II in the Mediterranean. Jim was united in marriage to Beth E. Knecht on August 19, 1946, at St. John's Catholic Church, Waterloo.
Jim was an athletic director and teacher. Throughout the course of his life he touched the lives of many people and was an inspiration to young adults everywhere. In 1946, Jim started his career at Britt High School, Britt, Iowa, as athletic director and football coach. He was instrumental in developing the wrestling program for the high school. In 1948, Jim came to Davenport High (Central) as wrestling coach. From 1960 to 1984, Jim served as football coach, athletic director and held numerous teaching and coaching positions at Central. In 1984, Jim took the position as athletic director for St. Ambrose University. Even throughout his illness Jim never retired as a coach and teacher.
Jim was a member of the Iowa Football Coaches organization, and was the administrator of the National Youth Sport Program. He was named to the Iowa Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Iowa Officials Hall of Fame, Quad City Times Hall of Fame, University of Northern Iowa Hall of Fame, St. Ambrose University Hall of Fame and the East Waterloo High School Hall of Fame. In 1988, he was named as Administrator of the Year of NATA Association.
Jim was a member of Downtown Davenport Noon Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus Loras Council 532, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Davenport Schools Foundation and Friends of Brady Street.
In his spare time Jim enjoyed scuba diving, reading, golf and traveling.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central High School Athletic Department, St. Ambrose University Athletic Department or Kahl Home for the Aged.
Survivors include his wife, Beth; a daughter, Maribeth (Kevin) Madden, Roland, Iowa; sons, James C. (Kim) Fox, Kent, Ohio, William R. (Kathi) Fox, Davenport, and Michael T. Fox, Wilkes-Berre, Pa.; grandchildren, Patrick, Drew, and Colin Madden and Bridget Baumhover, Jeffrey and John Fox, Bradley, Alison, and Haley Fox and Justin and Brandon Fox; and a sister, Betty Gavin, Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
His sisters, Patricia Fox and Margaret Ann Fox, preceded Jim in death.
Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed by visiting Jim's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
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James Fox
March 7, 2023
Played for him at Central...coached with him as an assistant...coached against him as an assistant...coached against him as a head coach...recruited his players as a college coach. Blessed
James Fox
January 12, 2022
Not a day goes by without thinking about him. Many cherished memories. He was a remarkable educator and coach and father. Grateful for the memories.
August 24, 2006
August 24, 2006
To the Family of Coach Jim Fox,
The Pastor and members of the Pentecostal Church of God extend our love and prayers to you.
We know that this is a trying time and we encourage you to be strong in the Lord. He will strengthen your heart.
You will miss your loved one and tears will be shed but remember that even Jesus wept. We encourage you to celebrate the good times that you had together.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Our prayers are with you throughout your sorrow and we will continue to pray for you.
Sincerely,
Pentecostal Church of God
Bishop McArthur Anderson, Pastor
Bob Cartwright
August 19, 2006
My deepest sympathy to both family and friends. God Bless you all. I was very lucky to have been able to call and talk to him just a few months ago. Athough it had been 45 years since we had last talked and he was not feeling up to par, he took my call and we had a good conversation -- his voice stirred many memories of the old DHS days. I wrestled heavyweight for Coach Fox on the 1960 State Runner Up Team -- the last of the old Davenport Blue Devils. He was truely one of a kind and knowing him has made me a better person. Tough, but fair and leading by example stands out in my mind -- a good friend and mentor. He will be missed by so many, but the memories will live on forever. Again, God Bless....
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Randy Powers
August 17, 2006
Coach Fox was an extrodinary person and with out a doubt an influence on my life. We are all better people for having known him and what he stood for. Our prayers go to the family. God Bless!!!
Nancy & Jim Ryan
August 16, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Beth and Family.
From your neighbors and friends in the '60s
Randy Schrader
August 15, 2006
Coach Fox:
A great friend and mentor. I will miss you and your wisdom about life. Our best to the Fox Family.
Randy and Denise Schrader
Mark House
August 14, 2006
Coach, Some of my most memorable times were sent with you at Cental High School. You tought me work ethic, and dedication. All your leadership was greatly appriciated. You meant alot to all the people you have touched. You are one of a kind and will be saddly missed. Class of 1984 - State Champs because of you.
Mark House
Lynda Swanson
August 14, 2006
Dear Beth and family,
My sincere sympathy on your loss. I am caring for my mother in northwest Iowa and apologize for not being able to visit with you in person. Jim was a determined man with a strong personality and, because of those traits, he made things happen. He influenced the lives of so many people of all ages. What a guy! You are fortunate to have had him in your lives.
Troy Epping
August 14, 2006
Coach Fox was a true professional and a fine person. The Davenport Central athletic department as well as the student athletes who were taught and coached by him were left with great memories. My condolences to Mike, Bill and all the family.
Doug Tucker
August 14, 2006
Coach Fox was an inspiration to me as a junior at DHS, before going off to West and on to Nebraska.
I know that Coach Fox is with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven cheering us on to share his love with our neighbors. I thank God for Coach Fox touching my life.
Steve Wilson
August 14, 2006
Deepest sympathy to the Fox family:
I'm one of many young people who were inspired by Coach Fox. As a football player and a wrestler, Coach Fox challenged me and motivated me to be stronger and better than I thought possible. I worked hard at sports and studies, not because he threatened me or bullied me, but because I never wanted to disappoint him. At a critical point in my life, he called another great wrestling coach, LeRoy Alitz, the Army wrestling coach. On the recommendation of Coach Fox, Coach Alitz offered me an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. My life was forever changed, and all that I am today I owe to that phone call. Sadly, Coach Alitz also passed away recently. The world has lost two great coaches, and two great men. Please know that my heart goes out to you all. I, too, feel a great loss.
Benita McGinn
August 14, 2006
Our sincere sympathy to family of Jim Fox.
We offer our prayers for him and his dear family.
Patrick and Benita McGinn
Jim Hayek
August 14, 2006
To the Family of "Coach" Fox
I was fortunate to be one of his players, students, family friend. Alot will be said about all the top names of professional players he coached. He was about more than that. He took a personal interest in every player he coached. If you stood on his sidelines and only participated on a practice squad, he knew about you, your family, and would always recognize you by your first name... He will always be a "Legend" to Davenport Central Sports. And to all that played for him and knew him, he will always be respected as "Coach Fox". The coach, the teacher, the freind...
Jim Hayek-CHS Football 1970 & 1971
John Jessen
August 14, 2006
Dear Family of James:
As a boy growing up next to Jim in Home Acres I had a hero in Jim---I remember Jim and my Dad wrestling in the vacant lot between our homes in the early 1940's. Father was 20 years Jim's Sr. and probably 30 to 40 pounds more in weight in good condition but no match for Jim. While father enjoyed the matches, I as a five year old did not enjoy my father losing.
I remember as a seven year old, delivering papers on River Forest Road. Jim had just been saved in WWII and an article appeared in the Courier--I stopped at every house on my route to tell everyone about my hero and made sure they knew about it.
I followed Jim's career throughout his life and have always felt that even though we only met briefly after 1945 as we moved away he was a friend and a hero in my past. I followed Jim's career throughout his life and was always so happy for his accomplishments and knew that they were not accidental. They were coming to a man who was truly special, devoted to life, humanity and the teaching of others. Sincerly John Jessen PS Please share this with Betty. thank you
Dave Thomason
August 14, 2006
Too the Fox family:What a great loss and great man.I had got to know the family at my years and CHS(1968-1970).Marybeth you can be proud of your father!!!He was a great inspiration to me as was your family.I'm glad I new coach Fox and his family,because Im a better person for it.My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.Dave Thomason class of 1970
Jim Blanche
August 14, 2006
Condolences to the entire Fox family. Jim Fox will be remembered for character and excellence. The Quad Cities has lost a treasure.
David Lyons
August 14, 2006
To the whole Fox family,
My deepest sympathies at your loss. Jim was a great man, and a great friend, to all of us that he touched through the years. He will be dearly missed.
John Hinckley
August 14, 2006
To the Fox Family:
So very sorry to hear of Coach Fox's death. He was a great man. Even though I went to West, I always admired him. My thoughts are with you.
Jan Potter
August 14, 2006
Bill, Kathi and family,
I was on-line today and learned of your loss. I wanted to express to you my sympathy during this difficult time.
Mark Monty
August 13, 2006
Dear Jim,
My friend, I am saddened by the passing of your dad, and want you and your entire family to know that you and Coach Fox are in my prayers. I remember those wonderful days as aspiring junior high football players at Williams. We would drill with the football, and run stadium steps during the summer. Even when you went to Central and I to Assumption (and we became opponents), we continued to be friends.
You're dad was larger than life to us back then. A compliment or positive comment relayed indirectly from him was enough to reinforce my motivation to work even harder. It was prized even more because of who he was and the values he repsresented. I knew that he knew how to be a successful competitor. He was a positive and motivating influence on me even though I never played for him.
I think it is great that he never stopped doing what he loved and continued to contribute so much to so many people. I know that you are proud of him and the life he lived. God's love to you and your family.
Mark Monty
Dave Nolan
August 13, 2006
I new Coach Fox through his sons. The character that they worked to teach the young men they guided, was a direct result of the belief system he instilled in them. Coach Fox will always be remembered as a Man of great achievement on the fields of competition, and even greater achievement off of those fields.
Kay Runge
August 13, 2006
Beth and family:
Our sympathies in your loss. What a wonderful man and coach. I was glad to be part of the Coach Jim Fox era.
MOM and I are thinking of you.
Kay Runge and Ina Kretschmar
David Baker
August 13, 2006
Mike, I want to express my condolences to you from your friends back here at KALA-FM. Your dad meant so much to all of us. He was a class act all the way. In recent years he hosted "Fox On Sports" features before football broadcasts here-- Yep...on the same station you used to play rap on in the early 80's! Nobody knew the game like your dad, and he was pretty humble about all of his success. It was an honor to work with him here at KALA and St. Ambrose University. We're going to miss you, Coach!
Elizabeth Dreier
August 13, 2006
I remeber Coach Fox from Davenport Central High School. He was a wonderful man. Always so uplifting and ready to help his students. He will be truly missed. God bless his family at this time of sorrow.
Joe Speer
August 13, 2006
Sorry for the loss of your father Mike, and the rest of the Fox family.
Joe & Pam Speer
jim doty
August 13, 2006
hey Coach, a truely heartfelt thank you from the Doty boys, we won't forget the two-a-days and that damn wrestling hotbox, let alone class room learning (what I really mean here is 'lessons'), I know I speak for many who will not know of your passing for quite some time, hats off to you Coach, and many blessings to your family...this stands out the most from you Coach "Where in the hell is your pain threshhold set, boy?"
Joan Bouchareb
August 13, 2006
I took summer lifesaving class lessons from Mr. Fox. He always challenged you to strive for your personal best. The day of the test , involved rescuing real people in a mock situation. I was a petite person barely 5ft. It was my turn to take the test. There were two people who came to be our practice victims. One slightly built woman and a huge burly guy. I looked at Mr. Fox assuming he would choose the woman for me. Instead he choose the big burly guy. I remember looking at him in despair. He said you don't deserve your badge if you don't have the confidence to rescue any one. I took the challenge and received my badge. My thoughts and prayers for all of your family
Sarah (Dues) Hauri
August 13, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Fox family at this time. Jim was a great man, and memories of him will live on in hearts of all the lives that he touched, including mine.
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