James M. Huckaby

James M. Huckaby, better known as "Coach Huck," went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, Dec. 18, in Byron Center, Michigan, after a long illness. His wife of 54 years was the late Marie Louise Huckaby.

Born in Niles, Calif., he was the son of the late Elmer and Vera (Hattenhauer) Huckaby. The Huckaby family moved to Fallon, Nev., where his father began the family business of mining salt, ultimately named Huck Salt. It was in Nevada where Jim became a three-sport athlete in high school. He was named all-state first baseman for the State Champion American Legion baseball team and then played baseball and basketball while serving in the United States Navy from 1955-1958. It was while in the Navy that Jim read a gospel tract and received Jesus as his Savior. From then on, he had a burden to please the Lord and felt a calling to reach not only the lost, but also to train men and women to serve the Lord in full-time Christian service. His passion was to serve Jesus faithfully and influence others for the Lord. It was also while in the Navy that he met the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Marie. Jim faithfully took care of Marie in her final years of battling Parkinson's. Jim earned his bachelor's degree from Los Angeles Baptist College, where he started their athletic program, serving as a player/coach for three years. He completed his master's degree in history at Pepperdine College. Jim coached at both Los Angeles Baptist College and Western Baptist College out west, before moving his family to the east coast, where he served at Baptist Bible College (now Clarks Summit University) for over 40 years.

Jim was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, deeply loved his children and grandchildren. In his later years, there was nothing he loved doing more than spending time with his grandchildren, usually fishing and watching them participate in their different sports. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren.

Surviving Jim are two sons, Scott A. Huckaby and wife, Kari, Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Stephen J. Huckaby, Costa Mesa, Calif.; a daughter, Lori J. Huckaby, Grand Rapids, Mich.; four grandchildren, Preston, Quinten, Deacon and Lillian Huckaby; brother, John Huckaby and wife, Gail; sister, Joyce Paulson and husband, Sam; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Heritage Baptist Church, 415 Venard Road, Clarks Summit.

The family will receive friends at the church from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Byron Center for an outdoor basketball hoop in honor of Jim Huckaby. This is the residence that cared for Jim in his final few years, Byron Center Manor, 2115 84th St. SW #A, Byron Center, MI
49315 .

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 .