James Arthur Myers' Obituary
James Arthur (Coach Jim) Myers Jim Myers died July 17, 2014 at home surrounded by family and care-givers after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Jim was a man of great energy and enthusiasm, who lived his life to its fullest. His three great passions in life were his family, the Dallas Cowboys, and his church. Jim was born November 12, 1921 in Madison, West Virginia, one of the eight children of Albert and Virginia Myers. His father, a farmer, disapproved when Jim joined the high school football team, fearing an injury would interfere with his work on the farm. Although his parents never saw him play, Jim had a successful high school career and won a scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he was coached by the legendary General Neyland and participated in both the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl. During WWII he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and played football at Duke University under the V-12 Program. After the war he served in occupied Japan, returning to the University of Tennessee for his senior year. At Tennessee, Jim met fellow student Carolyn Agee, whom he married in 1945. They had a wonderful marriage for 60 years until Carolyn’s death. After college, Jim joined the coaching staff at tiny Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. After a year, Jim moved on to Vanderbilt, and finally UCLA where he was an assistant coach under Red Sanders from 1949 until 1956. During those years UCLA played in the Rose Bowl twice and in 1954 won the National Championship. Later he served as head coach at Iowa State University and Texan A & M. In 1970, Jim began his 25 year career with the Dallas Cowboys as Offensive Line Coach. Eventually, he would become the Offensive Coordinator from 1970 -1977 and Assistant Head Coach from 1977-1986. During his years with the Cowboys, Jim participated in 20 straight winning seasons, five Super Bowls, and two World Championships. When Jim retired in 1986, he turned his attention to public service. He was an active member of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, serving on various committees and directing parking at Sunday Worship for 45 years. He volunteered for over 25 years with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes running the Tom Landry Golf Tournament. He also helped raise funds through the Jim Myers Golf Tournament benefiting the Rio Grande Valley FCA. He was active with Boys Club of Dallas, Special Olympics and the Father of the Year Council. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Jones (Harry), Katharine Finch (Dave), Carol Kellum; eight grandchildren, James Jones (Mary), Jennifer Jones, Katherine Lawler (Charles), and Jacob Jones (Rebecca), Carol Apfel (Martin), Jon Daly, Kurt Kellum, Kristi Kellum; two step-grandchildren, Kelly Finch and Charity Finch; ten great grandchildren; his brother-in-law, James M. Agee; and his special companion, Obie. The family of Jim Myers would like to recognize the loving care he received from his caregivers, Ann Lacey-Grisby and James (Hotrod) Grisby, whose tireless devotion allowed him to live and die in his beloved home. Also, thanks to Erma and Kanmia Gaston who cared for both Jim and Carolyn in their final months and to the staff of Elysian Hospice. The family asked that donations be made to the Fellowship Of Christian Athletes and to Operation Kindness. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 22 from 4-8 p.m. at Restland Memorial Chapel in Dallas. The memorial service will be Wednesday, July 23 at 11:00 at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas.
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