James P. Fisher

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The sports career of the late Jim Fisher began at Coughlin High School. He played high school football, but due to an illness was never able to continue playing the game. But that did not stop him! He followed the team and was statistician until graduating from Coughlin. After graduating from King’s College, Jim started his career at Meyers High School. He was assistant football coach under the late Mickey Gorham. In 1974, Jim helped lead the football team to the Wyoming Valley Division I City Championship. The players awarded him the team ball. After leaving Meyers, Jim was assistant coach under John Rowlands at GAR Memorial High School. He was the offensive coordinator and was instrumental in winning five Wyoming Valley Division II Championships from 1975 to 1979 for the Grenadiers. Jim’s coaching career ended in 1979 and a new beginning started when he joined the PIAA Wyoming Valley Football Conference as an official. Jim was highly respected by his peers and considered one of the best football officials in the conference. In 1986, Jim was personally invited to Notre Dame by Head Football Coach Lou Holtz to officiate his spring game. Along with football officiating for over 25 years, Jim was also secretary/treasurer of the District II Track and Cross Country League. In May of 2005, the PIAA honored Jim for many years of dedicated service to the PIAA Track and Field League. Jim showed outstanding sportsmanship in all that he did. His definition of sportsmanship on the athletic field is the reason why a decision was made to institute the “JIM FISHER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD.” With this award, Jim will be remembered as long as there is a District II Track & Field Championship Meet. Jim was also involved in Coaches Clinic International under the direction of Jerry Preschutti for 27 years (1978 to 2005). Jim was responsible for coordinating and introducing coaches from all over the country. Jim and the former Elaine Ferris shared 30 years of marriage and celebrated the birth of two daughters, Dr. Barbara Fisher Sciandra and Ann Fisher.