Area mourning death of Romulus Hall of Fame coach
James Donald Stallings, a member of the Romulus Coaches Hall of Fame, died Sept. 11 at the age of 82.
A graduate of Romulus High School, Mr. Stallings attended Hillsdale College where he played football, wrestled and even did some acting.
He began his coaching and teaching career in Romulus in 1967 where he was later inducted into the Romulus Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1974 he took his talents to Trenton where he coached wrestling for 30 years. He coached many champions and teams that placed among the top 10 in the state. He retired from coaching with a career record of 447-159-3. He was recognized by the press and his peers with many coach of the year awards and hall of fame inductions, but as much as those things were important to him Mr. Stallings consistently supported his wrestlers and assured them he was in their corner and would do whatever he could to help them be the best athlete and person they could be, his family recalled.
Mr. Stallings met the love of his life, Sherry Smith, while coaching in Romulus. The couple married in 1968 and traveled during summer vacations, along with their children and eventually, grandchildren. The family enjoyed family vacations and summers at Long Lake, Sandy Pines and Gulf Shores.
Mr. Stallings returned to college and earned his degree in Special Education at Eastern Michigan University. His family said he had incredible patience, kindness, determination, and creativity in the classroom. His proudest moments as an educator were working with his most profoundly challenged students and their families to help them to have a more joyful and well-rounded school experience.
Mr. Stallings is survived by his wife, Sherry; Bradley, Maddy and Lily Stallings, Christy, JC, Cooper Clardy, Melba Stallings Chaney, Gail Smith Stallings and many nieces and nephews, along with a host of friends and former students.
A celebration of his life is planned tomorrow, Oct. 3, at Peoples Church in Kalamazoo.
