Louis James, Jr., (Lou) one of the greatest coaches and football minds the Sun City has ever known, passed away on December 26, 2023, at the age of 81 in El Paso, Texas. (Funeral Arrangements are still pending.) Coach James was an outstanding football player at Bel Air High School and then Texas Western College (now UTEP).
Coach James was married to Norma for 59 years. Children include daughter Cliffie Denice, and an adopted son James Washington, and son Louis Joseph, who preceded his father in death.
A 2000 Inductee into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame, James coached 17 years at Bel Air High School, and later led both Riverside and Parkland High Schools to District titles as head coach. He left coaching to become an administrator.
El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame President, Ruben R. Ramirez said, “Mr. James was well-known as a leader as a coach and administrator in the high school ranks. His football accolades at Texas Western were extraordinary. We extend our condolences to the entire James family.”
He was selected to All-American honors at Texas Western in 1964, which led to being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles playing for two years. Coach James was also an outstanding cook known for his great barbecue sauce. He was fondly known as “Big Lou” and “Creeper” for his exceptional football talents as a defensive back.
Ruben R. Ramirez
President, El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame