James E. Dyda

James Edward "Coach" Dyda passed away at HCA Clear Lake Hospital on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with his family beside him. Jimmy had struggled through many health issues but battled for healing even till the last. Coach was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and colleague in his vocation as a coach of many school sports. He was a model and a mentor to athletes, students, and coaches by inspiring them to "be just a little bit better each day."
Coach never met a stranger and visited with everyone in his adventures as he traveled extensively. He enjoyed cruising and trips touring the United States and Canada, making life-long friends. Bingo was his favorite pastime, along with a little gambling, fishing, and entertaining friends and family. He most recently had become more interested in cooking and was compiling recipe books to share his creations with family.
Coach Dyda was a master carpenter and skilled in many areas of building. He always had a project in progress and completed two homes and countless buildings and renovations for others.
Jimmy was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and supported many events for the church and parish school. He was ready to generously help in any way, especially for the annual bazaar.
A life-long resident of Santa Fe, Jimmy was born on August 22, 1944, (on his father's birthday) in Alvin, Texas, to John and Johnnie Mae Dyda of Alta Loma/Santa Fe. He graduated from Santa Fe High School and maintained his involvement with his cherished 1962 classmates and friends. He graduated from Sam Houston State University and began his teaching/coaching career in 1967 at Santa Fe ISD and later was employed at Ft. Bend ISD, Alvin ISD, and Texas City ISD, from which he retired in 2002.
Coach was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Dyda; sister, Dorothy Griffith, and brother-in-law, Charlie Griffith. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Patti (Anderson) and daughter, Jamie Dyda-Youngblood (Eric). He was blessed with many family in-laws: Virginia Dyda, Paulette Ghinaudo (A.D.), Paul Anderson, Jr., Peggy Anderson (Doug), and Patrick John Anderson. He had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and extended family (coaching and student "family") who were very dear to him.
Funeral services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home in Santa Fe, TX.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. On Wednesday, May 7, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, a rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. A reception and time of fellowship will commence at Madonna Hall after the Mass.
Interment of ashes will be held in a private service for family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Coach Dyda's name to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 10114 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX 77563, (409) 925-3579, www.ololchurch.org.
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