Jim Austin: 1934-2015

A faithful presence will be missed at Eagles athletic events following the passing of Jim Austin. Mr. Austin, who lived at Peach Orchard, died in a car accident Monday, Feb. 9, at the age of 80.

Mr. Austin, himself a retired and revered coach, seldom missed an Eagles or Lady Eagles home basketball game, and he was a regular at softball, volleyball and other sporting events at WBC, as well.

Coach Austin had treated the women's basketball team to supper just last week, something he did for Williams teams countless times over the years.

A graduate of Arkansas State University, Mr. Austin served as a second lieutenant in the US Army before returning home to be a coach, and he spent the bulk of his career at Delaplaine High School. He was a successful basketball coach, and he also built a widely respected track program at the school.

He served as an AAU track coach for 40 years, as well as being a trainer for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians rookie league in the summer of 1969.

Coach Austin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marietta Austin; three children, Robin, Kippi and Blaine; and three grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:00 p.m. in the Hoxie High School gymnasium. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time for the service.

Williams Baptist College extends its prayers and deepest sympathies to Coach Austin's family, and we mourn with them in the loss of a faithful supporter and dear friend.