Morgan, James Weldon

Legendary Wrestling Coach At UTC And Baylor School

  • Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Jim Morgan
Jim Morgan

James Weldon Morgan passed away Friday morning, January 18, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

He was a Chattanooga native, born on January 24, 1938 and would have turned 81 years old this week. 

Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother Tyler and Dorothy Morgan, his beloved wife Martha “Sis” Morgan, his son James David Morgan, and brother William P. Morgan (Joyce). 

Jim is survived by his son Christopher Morgan (Casey Campbell), his daughter-in-law Stephanie Morgan, his grandsons Stephen Morgan and Campbell Norton, his brothers Robin Morgan and Tyler Morgan, sister Gil Morgan, his nieces Angela Morgan, Amy Ratledge and nephews Ty Morgan, Paul Ratledge, and Michael and Gregory Jones.

Jim graduated from McCallie School and the University of Chattanooga (B.S., M.S.). He then began his long and storied teaching and coaching career. First, at Red Bank Jr. High, then McCallie, then Pine Crest School (Fla). Named head coach at UTC in 1968, he served 16 years earning the most wins in UTC history and placing second and third in the NCAA division ll tourney. He coached 16 All-Americans (including three NCAA champions). He then went on to teach Chemistry at Baylor School (2002 ACS Chemistry Teacher of the Year) while also serving as Baylor’s head wrestling coach for 25 years(1986-2010).  During his time at Baylor School, Coach Morgan’s wrestlers amassed over 500 wins, 9 state traditional titles, 6 duals titles, and 60 individual state champions.  Coach Morgan also served as director of the traditional state tournament at UTC for 25 years. His leadership has been acknowledged by his inclusion in multiple Halls of Fame: UTC Athletics Hall of Fame, Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame, Baylor School Sports Hall of Fame, and the inaugural class of the Tennessee Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. 

Coach Morgan will long be remembered for all the awards and championships he collected, but more importantly, Jim will be remembered by his family for always putting family first, and his chemistry students and athletes will remember Coach Morgan for the life-long lessons he taught them: Courage, Humility, Perseverance, Dedication, Loyalty, Integrity, and Honesty. He challenged them with his generosity and kindness, and his deep empathy. Jim’s fierce and supportive, encouraging love for his family and friends served as an example for all.

A memorial service for Coach Jim Morgan will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, in Baylor Alumni Chapel at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chattanooga Community Kitchen, Chattanooga Public Library, Baylor School, or University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.      

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home ~ Ashland Terrace, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com, 423 877-3524.

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