Wendall Sherald James

In Memoriam: Sherald James (October 31, 1933 - December 15, 2023)

 Sherald Wendall James, born on October 31, 1933, to David Wendell James and Ruby Eleanor Dedrickson in Spanish Fork, Utah, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and a lasting mark on the world of coaching and education.

 A proud graduate of Spanish Fork High School, Sherald served his country in the US Army from 1952 to 1954, before embarking on a remarkable academic journey at Brigham Young University. He studied Agronomy and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1956, later earning a Master's degree in physical education in 1962 and a Doctorate in 1964, all from BYU.

 In 1957, Sherald married MaryAnn Jackson, in Mesa, Arizona. Together, they welcomed their son, Carl, on September 29th, 1969. His commitment to education and coaching led him to teach, coach, and serve as a principal and district superintendent at a high school in Dayton, Idaho.

 Sherald's coaching career at BYU began in 1961, where he dedicated 37 years to coaching cross country and track. Under his guidance, BYU teams claimed an impressive 59 conference championships in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. He coached four World Record holders, and his athletes set nine American records. His expertise extended beyond the field, as he authored the influential book "Modern Techniques of Track and Field." In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was named the NCAA National Coach of the Year in 1993.

 In 1987, Sherald found love again, marrying Janice Atkinson in the Jordan River Temple. Beyond his professional life, he had a passion for farming, gardening, and maintaining a beautiful yard and estate, reflecting his love for nature and the outdoors. Sherald was a devout follower of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In later years, he delighted in finding quotes from the many books he loved, rewriting them on index cards, and passing them along with a story or word of advice to friends and family.

 Above all, Sherald cherished his family deeply, leaving behind a legacy not only in the realm of coaching but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

 Sherald James is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Janice James, and four children: Carl (Mary) James, Tina Monson, Bryan (Leslie) Atkinson and Kerry Atkinson. He is also remembered fondly by his grandchildren, KyLynn James Cooper (Josh), Michelle Brown Ainge (Kenny), Julie Anne Richards (Andrew), Sarah Cochran (Gordon), Michael Brown, Rusty Monson (Kimmie), Amanda Weeks, Micheal Monson, Amy Buhler (Seth), Shan Atkinson, and Korby Atkinson and 20 great grandchildren.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, David Wendell James and Ruby Eleanor Dedrickson, and sisters, Lu Ann and Eleanor Janice.

 A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center located at 470 E Salem Canal Rd, Salem, UT 84653.

 The funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 11:00 am at the same location, followed by a graveside service at the Spanish Fork Cemetery. A reception luncheon for family will immediately follow the graveside service at the Stake Center.

 The service will be streamed on the Salem 6th Ward Youtube Streaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@salem6thwardstreamingchann571