James Dietz

1938 - 2022

James Clyde Dietz died Sunday, March 27th in Florence, OR at the age of 83. He was born to Dorothy Hart Dietz and Al Dietz on July 31, 1938, in Eugene, OR. Four years later his brother John was born. Jim was educated in local schools graduating from Eugene H.S. in 1956. He briefly attended Oregon State but transferred to Southern Oregon College and it was a better fit. He majored in Geography while competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1960 and played minor league ball in Jamestown, NY. and Birmingham, AL. After his playing days, he returned to Eugene and got a teaching credential and a master's degree in counseling from the U. of O. While at the Univ. he met and married Carol Griffin of Fairbanks, AK.

Jim's teaching and coaching career started with 2 years at Lowell H.S. followed by 3 years at Pleasant Hill H.S. In 1969 he was hired by the U. of O. to coach J.V. baseball and the freshman basketball team. Son Steve was born during their time in Eugene.

In 1972 he accepted the head baseball coaching job at San Diego State Univ. Two more children were born in San Diego- son Scott in 1973 and daughter Jennifer in 1975. In 31 years at State his teams had a record of 1231-750-18.
His budget was anemic but with hard work and determination the program became one of the finest in the country. Jim didn't want his small budget to limit his players opportunities. He approached the Padres and Jack-in-the-Box to sponsor an annual Padres-Aztecs game in Jack Murphy Stadium. Admission was free but the Aztecs received a cut of the concessions. It proved to be a winning relationship and a great fundraiser for the Aztecs. In 1998 the Aztecs played both the Padres and the New York Yankees.

Rob Carlson, the former dean of the P.E. Dept. and Jim started the Rookie League in City Heights to serve underserved youth. Kids learned the game of baseball, met major league players, and learned the value of staying in school and getting good grades. Fraternity members from black and Hispanic fraternities served as coaches, instructors, and umpires. It was the endeavor of which he was most proud.

In 1996 all of Jim's dreams came true when John and Becky Moores donated the money to build the new Tony Gwynn Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility. It was the culmination of the dream Jim had for the program when he accepted the job in 1972.

Jim was the recipient of many awards, but his dearest was being a father and Papa. His grandchildren adored him, and the feeling was mutual. He loved to take them crabbing, then watch in delight as the kids squealed as crabs scuttled across the deck after them. He eagerly planned the annual trip he took them on packing in as many adventures as possible. His other loves were long car rides, his dog Lucky, going out to lunch, fishing, upland bird hunting, rock hounding and DQ heath bar blizzards.

Jim's survivors include his wife of 52 years Carol, son Steve Dietz (Gina) of Redmond, OR., and daughter Jennifer Dietz of Florence, OR. He was Papa to Griffin, Logan, and Dalton Dietz of Redmond. His survivors also include his niece Sarah Kesling (Mike) of Elmira, OR his nephew Aaron Dietz (Chelsea) of Delta Junction, AK. and his cousin Dan Baxter (Jeanne) of Tucson, AZ.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother John and son Scott.

If you wish to honor Jim's memory, the family suggests a donation to San Diego State University. Contributions will support students impacted by cancer. Contributions can be made payable to The Campanile Foundation with "Jim Dietz" in the memo line, and mailed to: San Diego State University, Attn: The Campanile Foundation, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182-1968.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 24th at 11:00 A.M. at the Poway H.S. baseball field. Everyone is welcome.