Search by Name

Search by Name

James Arnold McAuley

1931 - 2023

James Arnold McAuley obituary, 1931-2023, Eureka, CA

James McAuley Obituary

James Arnold McAuley

1931-2023

James Arnold McAuley died on March 8, 2023 at age 91. The son of William and Margaret McAuley, he was born in Merced, California and grew up in San Francisco.
He was known as Jim to many, as Mac to his close friends and contemporaries, and as Coach McAuley to a large and very special group of people.
After serving in the Air Force, Jim came to Humboldt in the 50's. He attended and graduated from Humboldt State, meeting his wife of 68 years, Janis McClaskey, and where he is remembered in the athletic Hall of Fame. He began his coaching career with a successful stint at Arcata High School, followed by one year at Santa Rosa Junior College.
In 1967, Jim was recruited to return to Humboldt County to start the football program for the fledgling College of the Redwoods, which resulted in a ten-year run at the helm of CR football. The first football team in 1967 won 3 games and lost 6, with several close losses. The next season CR won the State Championship, starting a remarkable nine-year window where the team won 84 games, losing 7, with one tie. In all, from 1968 to 1976, CR won three California state championships, two Northern California championships (in years when the state championships were not contested), and nine Golden Valley Conference championships. He also coached baseball for a several years, as well as the golf team for many years.
Jim said the success of the CR football teams was the players, and otherwise largely due to the coaches he worked most closely with, Fred Whitmire and Tom Giacomini. In 1977, after stepping down as football coach, Jim became the Athletic Director at CR until his retirement in 1991.
The community responded to the success of College of the Redwoods football by building a covered, on-campus stadium for the Corsairs, through private donation of time, money and materials. That effort was extraordinary, as a stadium rose out of the south-east corner of the campus. Fans, whether at Eureka High School for home games in the early years, or at Community Stadium on the CR campus, provided loud and strong support of the local team.
As a coach, he was honored as the California Community College Football Coach of the Year four times. He is a member of the California Community College Commission on Athletics Hall of Fame and the California Community College Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, he is a member of the Arcata High School Hall of Fame, and the College of the Redwoods Hall of Fame.
He enjoyed fishing for much of his life, as well as time spent with Frank Powers, who Jim met while teaching at Arcata High School. The Powers and McAuley families had adjoining properties with cabins along the Salmon River near Cecilville, California for many years.
His retirement years included golfing into his eighties, cribbage in the club house at Eureka Golf Course, and travel with his wife Janis. Measured by the depth of his character, he was loved and respected by his family. He is the father of Lynn McAuley Rambach (Glenn) who passed in 2017 and Bill (Cynthia) McAuley. He has two grandsons, Neil (Michelle) McAuley and Ross McAuley and one great granddaughter, Marie Lynn McAuley. He is survived by his sister Barbara Wolff and three nephews and a niece.
The family would like to specially thank Fred Whitmire, who was Jim's hand-picked successor as head football coach at CR. Fred was instrumental in ensuring a steady flow of visitors, cards, and letters during Jim's final days. The family would also like to thank those who were able to see him recently, the nurses and staff at St. Joseph Hospital and Granada Rehabilitation.
The family will hold a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made a favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Mar. 17 to Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James McAuley

Sponsored by Times-Standard.

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Jim Harrington

March 22, 2023

Jan, needless to say, I am saddened regarding Mac's passing. A man of sincere integrity, honesty, and caring he had an enormous impact on me and I loved and respected him as a friend and mentor. I am forever grateful for having him in my life and to be able to call him friend. Bless you. He loved you deeply.

Jim Harrington

Martin Stockel

March 19, 2023

I had the true pleasure of knowing Coach McAuley when I attended CR. He tried his best to get me to join the CR football program, which I had to pass on at the time. I was deeply saddened to read of his passing. My most sincere condolences to his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed. RIP Coach.

Gene Mead

March 17, 2023

It is with deep sorrow and wonderful memories, that I write this about "Coach" McAuley. The "Coach" had a great affect on my life and gave me the confidence and desire that made me want, always to do better. My sympathies for his family and all the collogues who worked with "Coach" McAuley. Yes, he was a fantastic coach and a wonderful man. Peace

Brad Curtis

March 17, 2023

He was one of the Greatest! I was so privileged to play for him on the 1970 State Championship Team. He was tough, no nonsense kind of a guy who assembled the winningest coaching staff on the North Coast ever with Fred Whitmire and Tom Giacomini,. While he was head coach, CR had a winning percentage over 87% and produced a Golden Valley Conference Championship nearly every year and 3 State Championships all with local Humboldt County Athletes. He was also kind of a shy private man with a good sense of humor. He would disarm you on the practice field by giving you a four leaf clover he'd found while observing you in drills...When you did good...he was incredibly proud of your success and overcoming adversity. He was so intense...and focussed...and such and inspiration. Oh...My heart is very heavy today. Condolences to his wife Jan and family. Rest in Peace Jim McAuley...you will be sorely missed. Brad Curtis (Spinas)

Deacon Jeff Jacobs

March 17, 2023

Many fond memories of Coach Mac during my time at CR. Prayers for peace to the family.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in James McAuley's name

Memorial Events
for James McAuley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James McAuley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more