Jim Mentis Obituary

Jim Mentis

James Edward Mentis, age 86, passed away December 24, 2012 in the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon, Missouri.

Jim was born December 25, 1925 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, the son of John and Martha Mentis. Jim loved sports his entire life. In high school, he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football, basketball and baseball.

Jim answered his country's call during the Second World War, proudly serving with the United States Navy in the Southeast and Western Pacific with the amphibious fleet.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, he attended Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State University). While there, he lettered in football all four years. He also received the All MIAA Conference Honor and the SMS Scholastic Trophy for Athletes.

While at Southwest Missouri State, Jim met and fell in love with Nancy Timmons, the woman he was to marry and raise a family. In 1950, Jim and Nancy married in Monett, Missouri.

After graduating from SMS, Jim began his coaching career. He started at Carthage High School, coaching football, basketball and track from 1950-1953.

In 1954, Jim came to Central High School in Springfield, Missouri. He taught physical education and coached football and track. During this period of time, he earned his Master of Education from the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Jim then taught at Pershing Junior High, in Springfield, Missouri, from 1959-1960. He also performed post-graduate work at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, during this time.

Jim joined the athletic staff at Southwest Missouri State in 1961. He coached football and started the wrestling and soccer programs. He served as Head Football Coach from 1965-1968, when he returned to full-time teaching.

While at Southwest Missouri State, Jim helped develop and implement the degree program in Recreation and Leisure Studies. He retired from university teaching in 1988. He taught for 38 years, 26 of them at Southwest Missouri State. He was also a Southwest Missouri football official for 35 years.

Jim was inducted into the Missouri State University Athletic Hall of Fame, Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame and Southwest Missouri Officials Hall of Fame. He was also honored with the Southwest Missouri State Alumni Appreciation Award and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Coach of the Year.

Jim's service was not limited to Southwest Missouri State. He served on the Springfield Park Board in many capacities and served his community in many other organizations during, and after, his career as an educator and coach.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Doris Mentis. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; brother Paul Mentis; son David Mentis and wife Doyla; daughter Linda Hills and husband Joe; grandson Ben Nichols; granddaughter Dava Mentis; great-grandson Layton Elliott and many other family members and friends.

Jim loved his family, friends, sports, teaching and coaching. He cared for people his entire life. He touched and inspired many lives during his lifetime.

A private family service will be held at a later date. The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff of the Missouri Veterans Home who provided kind, excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Missouri State University Foundation, Jim Mentis Scholarship, Meyer Alumni Center, 300 South Jefferson, Springfield, Missouri, 65806 or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News-Leader on Dec. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Mentis

9 Entries

Dane Wilgus

January 7, 2013

Growing up in Strafford down the road from Jim and Nancy is filled with so many memories. The ones that come to mind most often was riding my bicycle, later riding my go-carts and then, even later, driving the roads around our houses. My whole family could always count on seeing Jim and Nancy out jogging. I remember being a little boy asking my dad (who, in fact, had Jim Mentis as a gym teacher in the late fifties/ early sixties), "Dad, isn't he too old to be running?" Of course, the normal "scoff" would come from my dad with a reply, "Heck no, how do you think he stays in such great shape?" I never understood this reply until later in life. Jim and Nancy are " go-getters"! I love you both and I do have many memories of you both. Jim will be missed by my whole family. You know where to find us, Nancy, when you need that light bulb changed, or that switch changed out or just to bring your paper to the door. We love you.

Melissa Yeubanks (Wilgus)

January 7, 2013

A great man that will be missed by many! Nancy & Ben, we are so sorry for your loss.

Wayne Wickstrom

January 2, 2013

Coach Mentis was very special to me as a freshman class 53-54 at Carthage High. I also had the pleasure to work athletics as a volunteer for him as at Central High 57-59 while attending SMS. There was none better and he will remain in our hearts for ever.

Kent Childs

January 1, 2013

Dear Mentis Family,
I fondly remember Coach Mentis during my years as a student at SMS. He was a great teacher and a very good person with a kind smile. May peace be with you all.
Sincerely,
Kent Childs SMSU 1974 and PHS 1970

JERRY & LINDA SITTON

December 31, 2012

WE WILL MISS THE POSITIVE WORDS HE ALWAYS HAD FOR ALL OF US

Becky Goad

December 29, 2012

Coach Mentis was one of my favorite instructors at MSU (SMS). Always kind, considerate and a passion for his students. He is to be celebrated for touching so many lives and a great example to all. I'm thankful he touched my life.

Susan Gilbert Cameron

December 29, 2012

He was a great teacher and allowed us to tie him up and throw him in the pool at SMS to show us how to survive. He will be missed by many.

Terry Ann (Hume) Touhey

December 28, 2012

Dear Mrs. Mentis, Linda, and Ben,
Jim was such a great guy. I remember him from the days of playing around campus (I lived near-by) and from his coaching work. In later years, I worked with Linda and got to know Ben through my son when they played together for the Bears. Jim was always such a positive and supportive gentleman to the boys and his community. His smile was a gift to everyone. May you find peace and strength in the coming days.

Carol McCroskey-Johnston

December 28, 2012

I want to express my regret at the passing of Jim Mentis (especially to Linda). I know what it's like to lose a Father. I think you called him DADDY, and from what I understand, that's what he was!
I remember him as a wonderful man that everyone looked up to.
The world was a better place to have had him in it!
Prayers go up for all of you.

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