Jim Marshall

James Harley Marshall

Born June 16, 1935 in Long Beach, California and passed away September 18, 2021 in Hobbs, New Mexico. He married Carolyn Baker on November 5, 1964 in Liberty, Missouri.  He is preceded in death by his parents Eudine and Charles Neas. He is survived by his wife Carolyn and children Jim Bob Marshall (Michelle) and Tammy Sue Rotunno (Victor); brother Bob Marshall (Judy); Grandchildren Samantha Pearce (George), Amanda Rotunno, Madison Rotunno, Shelby Wilson (Jessie), and Alex Wilson; Great-Grandson Kai Pearce.

Coach Marshall grew up and enjoyed his childhood in Warrensburg, Missouri. He then served in the United States Navy, during the Korean War. After his service he attended The University of Kansas where he played both baseball and football.

He began his teaching and coaching career at Liberty High School in Liberty, Missouri in 1963. He and Carolyn moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico in 1965 where he was a Professor in Physical Education and Health, coached football, softball, and baseball at New Mexico Highlands University for 27 years. One of his greatest coaching accomplishments was when he and his baseball team won the NAIA National Championship in 1967 in St. Joseph, Missouri. During his tenure at Highlands he served as Department Chair, Athletic Director, and Swimming Pool Administrator. He served on various committees including athletics, admissions, scholarships, and Title IX.  Along with his numerous duties, he started a skiing class in which he would take along Jim Bob and Tammy Sue. He enjoyed this so much that he became part of the Ski Patrol at Sipapu Ski Resort.

Coach Marshall moved to Hobbs, New Mexico in 1993, and his family soon followed. He took over the baseball program at College of the Southwest, now known as University of the Southwest. He also served as the golf coach for one year and Athletic Director for a few years. He and his family stayed in Hobbs for the remainder of his life. He was involved in countless community activities and loved going to garage sales to find his “treasures”.