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James “Coach” Day

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James “Coach” Day

Birth
Death
26 Feb 2022 (aged 88)
Burial
Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA Add to Map
Plot
SECTION 2 SITE 1155
Memorial ID
View Source
PFC US ARMY

James "Coach" Day was born in Alachua County, Florida on November 7, 1933. He was the baby boy of the nine children born to Mr. Percy and Mrs. Alice Merricks Day. He was preceded in death by his former wife: Margaret Clayton Day; brothers: Arthur Day, Andrew Day, Jerry Day, Roosevelt Day, and J.B Day; sisters: Dorothy Day, Maedith Day Durant; brothers-in-law: Willie Clayton, Junior Clayton, and James White; sisters-in-law: Mildred Hall, Ima Rose White, Veronica Clayton, and Rosemary Love.

James was a star student at Alachua County Training School, the only African American School in Alachua. In addition to his academic achievement, this popular student was also an athlete in football, track and field. After high school, he enrolled into Florida Normal and Industrial College where he earned a Bachelor of Education Degree and later a Masters of Education Degree from Florida A&M University.

While in college James became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He often spoke of the bond he formed with his fellow brothers and was proud to be a charter member of the Delta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at Florida Memorial College (formally Florida Normal).

During his internship at Matthew W. Gilbert School, James met Margaret C. Clayton. This meeting by chance changed his life forever. The couple dated and were later united in holy matrimony in October of 1956. To this union, two beautiful girls, Wonza and Weisha were born. Margaret and James shared a wonderful life of 55 years, before she passed in 2011.

Years later, James found love again when he met and fell in love with the caring spirit of Yvonne Smith. They also had a wonderful life of sharing everything together. They loved to travel, entertain at family gatherings, visit family members, attend sporting events, or just sit at home with each other. James' love for his wife was boundless and spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family was his sweetest joy.

Coach Day dedicated his life to God at an early age and was a faithful member of Central Baptist Institutional Church, most recently under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Karl L. Hodges, Sr. Coach Day served wherever he was needed in the church which included the Board of Trustees for over fifteen years.

Coach Day was employed 40 years at William M. Raines High School in the Duval County Public School System. He was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and mentor. From this professional experience, he earned a reputation as a WINNER! He often credited the countless coaches, staff members and athletes for their successfully earning Two State Championships, Six Runner-Up Finishes, 37 Regional Championships, and 36 District Championships. He was named track Coach of the Year ten times by the Florida Times-Union and the Jacksonville Journal. Other accomplishments include: Coach of the Year by the Jacksonville Track Club, 1976, recognition for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Coaching; Coach of the Year from Florida Athletic Coaches Association and Coach of the Year from Florida A&M University Boosters, 1975-1977; Outstanding Service in Athletics (W.M. Raines), 1965-70; Loyal Supporter in Our Ladies of Raines, 1974-75; Duval County School Board Resolution, 1976; Personality of the Year Award from the Bob Hayes Committee, 1976; Outstanding Contribution to Educational Programs at Raines High School, 1988-89; Duval County Association of Secondary Schools Administrators – Most Valuable Teacher Award, 1990-91; Gateway Conference Outstanding Coaches Award, 1990; First Coast Coaches Care Award, Gatorade, 1996; Outstanding Leadership as Meet Director of the Bob Hayes Invitational Track and Field Meet (BHITM); Bob Hayes Sportsmanship Award, 2000; one of the first African-Americans to serve on the Jacksonville Sports Authority, 1997-2002; Onyx Community Sports Award, 2005; City of Jacksonville with a historical street marker, Coach James Day Parkway (formerly Raines Viking Way), 2009; William M. Raines – Naming the Athletic Field House (James "Coach" Day Field House), 2011; induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, 2015; and the list continues.

Another notable accomplishment for Coach Day was his involvement and leadership with the Bob Hayes Track and Field Meet. When he became the director of the meet in 1967, Coach Day expanded it from twenty-five to over two hundred teams during his 52-year tenure as Director.

After retirement, his plans were to relax, but his love for athletics set in motion another "winning" opportunity. Coach Day was the Athletic Director, as well as Special Assistant to the President of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida, 2003-2011. He used his expertise and great relationships with friends and colleagues to build the athletic program from a meager three sports to an extraordinary powerhouse. He added football (after 35 years). volleyball for women, men's and women's golf, softball, baseball, women's basketball, women's cross country, and women's track and field, as well as overhauling the men's cross-country track and field, men's basketball, as well as men and women cheerleaders. This effort was a positive move for the college because it attracted many new and diverse students and athletes.

Coach Day was well-respected and regarded by many in professional athletic ranks for his assistance in getting talents of many young people recognized and developed. He was known throughout the community for his acts of kindness that he and his family extended to support those in need. He believed in the importance of education, and he dedicated his life to ensure that every child who wanted a better future had the resources needed to achieve that goal. As a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, Coach Day touched the lives of many people in his community.

He will be remembered for his love for his entire family, a love that was limitless, and spending time with them brought him much joy, together with his take charge, no nonsense, and 'taking care of business' demeanor. His laughter and smile were infectious, and he was authentically himself in every environment and situation. He was articulate, charming, and passionate about what he believed in, and he never met a stranger. Coach Day was a man who lived his life on his terms-with passion and purpose. He will forever be remembered, respected, and loved.

On Saturday, February 26, 2022, in the twinkling of an eye, Brother James "Coach" Day was called from labor to reward to join the caravan of Saints for entering the Master's joy. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things". Matthew 25:23

Brother James "Coach" Day leaves to cherish his memories and to treasure his love are his wife: Yvonne Smith Day; daughters: Wonza Day Smith and Weisha Day-(Marc) Killette; son: Greg (Eleanor) Coleman; granddaughters: La'tricia Ford (Troy) Baker, Tiffany Sumter, Chelsea Killette, and Christi Killette, grandson: Chase Killette; great-granddaughters: Tiani Baker, Jamie Baker, Rylee Baker, Jael Sumter, and Skye Sumter; sister: Shirley Day Worthey; sisters-in-law: Carolyn McMillian, Lyndia Benon, Kathy Smith, Gloria Clayton, and Emma Clayton; brothers-in-law: James Clayton and Nathan Love; along with a host of nieces, nephews, many other sorrowing relatives, friends, and neighbors.

JP Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services
Madison, Florida
PFC US ARMY

James "Coach" Day was born in Alachua County, Florida on November 7, 1933. He was the baby boy of the nine children born to Mr. Percy and Mrs. Alice Merricks Day. He was preceded in death by his former wife: Margaret Clayton Day; brothers: Arthur Day, Andrew Day, Jerry Day, Roosevelt Day, and J.B Day; sisters: Dorothy Day, Maedith Day Durant; brothers-in-law: Willie Clayton, Junior Clayton, and James White; sisters-in-law: Mildred Hall, Ima Rose White, Veronica Clayton, and Rosemary Love.

James was a star student at Alachua County Training School, the only African American School in Alachua. In addition to his academic achievement, this popular student was also an athlete in football, track and field. After high school, he enrolled into Florida Normal and Industrial College where he earned a Bachelor of Education Degree and later a Masters of Education Degree from Florida A&M University.

While in college James became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He often spoke of the bond he formed with his fellow brothers and was proud to be a charter member of the Delta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at Florida Memorial College (formally Florida Normal).

During his internship at Matthew W. Gilbert School, James met Margaret C. Clayton. This meeting by chance changed his life forever. The couple dated and were later united in holy matrimony in October of 1956. To this union, two beautiful girls, Wonza and Weisha were born. Margaret and James shared a wonderful life of 55 years, before she passed in 2011.

Years later, James found love again when he met and fell in love with the caring spirit of Yvonne Smith. They also had a wonderful life of sharing everything together. They loved to travel, entertain at family gatherings, visit family members, attend sporting events, or just sit at home with each other. James' love for his wife was boundless and spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family was his sweetest joy.

Coach Day dedicated his life to God at an early age and was a faithful member of Central Baptist Institutional Church, most recently under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Karl L. Hodges, Sr. Coach Day served wherever he was needed in the church which included the Board of Trustees for over fifteen years.

Coach Day was employed 40 years at William M. Raines High School in the Duval County Public School System. He was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and mentor. From this professional experience, he earned a reputation as a WINNER! He often credited the countless coaches, staff members and athletes for their successfully earning Two State Championships, Six Runner-Up Finishes, 37 Regional Championships, and 36 District Championships. He was named track Coach of the Year ten times by the Florida Times-Union and the Jacksonville Journal. Other accomplishments include: Coach of the Year by the Jacksonville Track Club, 1976, recognition for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Coaching; Coach of the Year from Florida Athletic Coaches Association and Coach of the Year from Florida A&M University Boosters, 1975-1977; Outstanding Service in Athletics (W.M. Raines), 1965-70; Loyal Supporter in Our Ladies of Raines, 1974-75; Duval County School Board Resolution, 1976; Personality of the Year Award from the Bob Hayes Committee, 1976; Outstanding Contribution to Educational Programs at Raines High School, 1988-89; Duval County Association of Secondary Schools Administrators – Most Valuable Teacher Award, 1990-91; Gateway Conference Outstanding Coaches Award, 1990; First Coast Coaches Care Award, Gatorade, 1996; Outstanding Leadership as Meet Director of the Bob Hayes Invitational Track and Field Meet (BHITM); Bob Hayes Sportsmanship Award, 2000; one of the first African-Americans to serve on the Jacksonville Sports Authority, 1997-2002; Onyx Community Sports Award, 2005; City of Jacksonville with a historical street marker, Coach James Day Parkway (formerly Raines Viking Way), 2009; William M. Raines – Naming the Athletic Field House (James "Coach" Day Field House), 2011; induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, 2015; and the list continues.

Another notable accomplishment for Coach Day was his involvement and leadership with the Bob Hayes Track and Field Meet. When he became the director of the meet in 1967, Coach Day expanded it from twenty-five to over two hundred teams during his 52-year tenure as Director.

After retirement, his plans were to relax, but his love for athletics set in motion another "winning" opportunity. Coach Day was the Athletic Director, as well as Special Assistant to the President of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida, 2003-2011. He used his expertise and great relationships with friends and colleagues to build the athletic program from a meager three sports to an extraordinary powerhouse. He added football (after 35 years). volleyball for women, men's and women's golf, softball, baseball, women's basketball, women's cross country, and women's track and field, as well as overhauling the men's cross-country track and field, men's basketball, as well as men and women cheerleaders. This effort was a positive move for the college because it attracted many new and diverse students and athletes.

Coach Day was well-respected and regarded by many in professional athletic ranks for his assistance in getting talents of many young people recognized and developed. He was known throughout the community for his acts of kindness that he and his family extended to support those in need. He believed in the importance of education, and he dedicated his life to ensure that every child who wanted a better future had the resources needed to achieve that goal. As a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, Coach Day touched the lives of many people in his community.

He will be remembered for his love for his entire family, a love that was limitless, and spending time with them brought him much joy, together with his take charge, no nonsense, and 'taking care of business' demeanor. His laughter and smile were infectious, and he was authentically himself in every environment and situation. He was articulate, charming, and passionate about what he believed in, and he never met a stranger. Coach Day was a man who lived his life on his terms-with passion and purpose. He will forever be remembered, respected, and loved.

On Saturday, February 26, 2022, in the twinkling of an eye, Brother James "Coach" Day was called from labor to reward to join the caravan of Saints for entering the Master's joy. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things". Matthew 25:23

Brother James "Coach" Day leaves to cherish his memories and to treasure his love are his wife: Yvonne Smith Day; daughters: Wonza Day Smith and Weisha Day-(Marc) Killette; son: Greg (Eleanor) Coleman; granddaughters: La'tricia Ford (Troy) Baker, Tiffany Sumter, Chelsea Killette, and Christi Killette, grandson: Chase Killette; great-granddaughters: Tiani Baker, Jamie Baker, Rylee Baker, Jael Sumter, and Skye Sumter; sister: Shirley Day Worthey; sisters-in-law: Carolyn McMillian, Lyndia Benon, Kathy Smith, Gloria Clayton, and Emma Clayton; brothers-in-law: James Clayton and Nathan Love; along with a host of nieces, nephews, many other sorrowing relatives, friends, and neighbors.

JP Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services
Madison, Florida

Gravesite Details

Interment Monday, March 07, 2022



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  • Created by: Susan
  • Added: Mar 20, 2022
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/237824298/james-day: accessed ), memorial page for James “Coach” Day (7 Nov 1933–26 Feb 2022), Find a Grave Memorial ID 237824298, citing Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Susan (contributor 46770931).