EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jim Byers touched so many lives not just in his time at the University of Evansville, but in his 79 years of life. Today, we are proud to share the thoughts of some of those closest to him. We thank all of the former coaches, student-athletes, administrators and friends for sharing their thoughts.
"I loved Coach Byers, and am so thankful he decided to hire me. He was an AD that you could go to for anything. He always had time for you. He would listen and there was always wisdom in his solutions. I appreciated, and felt his support, which definitely was a confidence booster. Coach Byers was filled with character and led that way." – Kathi Bennett – former women's basketball coach at UE
"One of the greatest honors I ever had was introducing Jim when he was inducted into the UE Athletics Hall of Fame. He was my boss for nearly 20 years, but then he became a close friend in the years after that. Jim was never trying to promote himself. He would much rather work behind the scenes to make sure his coaches and their student-athletes succeeded and received the credit." -Bob Boxell – former sports information director at UE from 1982-2011
"Coach Byers gave me the opportunity to be a head coach at the Division I level when he hired me at UE. They were just moving the program from D2 to D1. It was a great opportunity for me and I did not realize at the time how small our budget was and the field we had and what we had to do. I just wanted to be a head coach. Because of Coach Byers, I stayed there over 20 years. He was a mentor and a father to me as well as a great friend. I never once walked into his office where I did not walk out feeling better. He was just that kind of guy. Jim was the most intelligent person I have ever been around. He was a very unique human being and will be missed." – Jim Brownlee – former head baseball coach at UE
"Coach Byers was the most significant and influential person to ever be a part of the UE athletic department. He has always inspired myself and the baseball program to be the best. He is a legend that will be deeply missed." Wes Carroll – current head baseball coach at UE
"Coach Byers was an incredible man whose passion was fueled by people. His leadership was courageous and passionate. Coach's integrity, dignity and class were examples that left an invaluable imprint on my life. There have been many greats at the University of Evansville, but the greatest of all is Jim Byers." – Jim Crews – former men's basketball coach at UE
"Jim Byers was a mentor of mentors. He took that role seriously knowing he could help more (students, athletes, teachers and coaches and people in general) by giving future leaders support and guidance....his smile will always be remembered." –Linda Crick – former women's basketball & volleyball coach and administrator at UE
"Jim Byers was a great man whose impact on the University of Evansville is immeasurable, and he was undoubtedly an important figure in the history of both the Midwestern Collegiate Conference and the Missouri Valley Conference. Jim was a leader who cared very deeply for his athletics program and the student-athletes, coaches and people in the community whose lives he touched. He'll be remembered as much for his humility and graciousness as he will for his personal and professional achievements. Those of us on the MVC staff who worked with Jim were honored to be his friends and colleagues." – Doug Elgin – Commissioner of the Missouri Valley Conference
"Coach Byers was a man of outstanding character, integrity and passion for other people. He was a model of leadership and selflessness-genuinely putting others ahead of himself. I feel blessed to have had Jim Byers represent Evansville and his support of Aces Athletics is unmatched. He will be greatly missed but his legacy lives on." – Scott Haffner – former men's basketball player at UE
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the University of Evansville are with Coach Byers' family and friends. His leadership helped the university through some of its toughest times and led us to new heights. The contributions he made in over 50 years at the university will live on forever." – Dr. Thomas Kazee – President of the University of Evansville
"When I go back and think about Mr. Byers, he was personable. He never phoned or emailed, he came into your office and sat down with you for a few minutes a week. He was really in the trenches with you, he had such a personal touch. He knew about every sport because he had a deep concern. Mr. Byers was concerned with every one of his employees. I think that was always something that I will remember about him. One of my favorite stories about him came several years ago when Dr. Vinson was the school president. We had staff meetings on a regular basis and would always have coffee and donuts. Dr. Vinson, who always spoke for a few minutes at our meetings, was on a health kick and we showed up one day and there were strawberries and cantaloupe and other fruits. Just after Dr. Vinson left, Mr. Byers stood up and said, I don't know about the rest of you, but I think there is a lot of nutritional value in donuts. That is one of my favorites with him." – Gwen Lewis – former head softball coach at UE
"Coach Byers was not only a Coach but a mentor and more importantly my friend. In life we either leave a Memory or we leave a Legacy; Coach Byers left me/us a Legacy. Memories become shaded and often forgotten with time but a Legacy is something you embrace, honor and more importantly build upon. Jim Byers is not only a Legacy but he has created a Legacy that will impact generations to come." – Roger Mason – former football player at UE under Coach Byers
"Coach Byers was a tremendous leader, but much more – a beautiful person." – Steve Merfeld – former men's basketball coach at UE
"Just add my name to the chorus of those who admired and respected Mr. Byers as a coach, educator, administrator, leader, and friend. His Presence transcended his presence. I will remember his grace, humility, sense of humor and caring manner. He was a god man. His death leaves a void in many hearts." – Lois Patton – pioneer of women's athletics at UE; was first women's basketball coach at UE and also coached softball, tennis and volleyball
"Coach Byers was a great motivator by his positive encouragement. He always expected us to win no matter who our opponent might be which instilled confidence in our ability. Also, I could go into his office to ask for more (budget, scholarships, equipment, etc.) and leave feeling so fired up and positive that we could beat anyone even with less. Later I would think "did he just say no???" – Chris Payne – former women's tennis coach and administrator at UE
"When I was told that I was the recipient of his scholarship, I was speechless. What he did for me, my family and for countless amounts of individuals is amazing and inspiring. I am fortunate to have had the chance to sit down with him and speak about sports and life in general, and I will always remember it. I couldn't thank him enough, and it's an honor to have met someone with such influence, not only in athletics at UE, but also in the lives of people with the University. You don't meet that kind of person every day. He was special." – Jonathan Ramon – former UE baseball player and recipient of the James A. Byers Athletic Student Scholarship
"Coach Byers defined what an Ace is. His commitment to the coaches and student-athletes was evident in every action he took at UE and in the greater Evansville community. He put our department on the map with his leadership and drive to ensure our student-athletes had an experience that transcended sport and added to the greater educational mission of UE. Without Coach Byers' enthusiasm and ambition, our program would not have experienced the successes we had in the 80's and 90's reaching two final fours. Coach Schmaltz speaks of Coach Byers often and always with a smile on his face. Coach Byers was a player's coach and a coach's A.D. He set the bar high for all of us." – Marshall Ray – former student-athlete at UE and current head men's soccer coach
"Coach Byers was a visionary and saw trends in college sports that other people did not see or act on. What made him special is that he acted on those visions when others did not. Many of those who were successful were people that he hired. He was a coaches AD, he knew what the pressures were and what it took to be successful. He was the person most responsible for starting soccer at UE. Bill Vieth came to him and Dr. Graves with a vision and he was smart enough to see the future in it and that UE could succeed at it and worked hard to make it work. He saw that UE had a chance to be successful because of school size and demographics. He was not only my boss, but a good friend. He knew what it was like to win and lose games and he was able to make us better because of that. He was aware of the process, not just the results. It is a sad day for UE and all of us that loved him. He will be missed." – Fred Schmalz – former head men's soccer coach at UE
"Coach Byers' friendship meant the world to me both personally and professionally. He came by and met with me in my office every week and was just so encouraging and supportive of our program. The loyalty that he showed to me and our program is unmatched. The contributions that he made to the athletic programs, community and the University of Evansville will forever be his legacy. He is incredible because he is one of the most competitive men I have ever been around, but compassionate, caring and loving. That's just who he is. I am just so fortunate that he was a mentor to me and continued to mentor me until he passed. What I am really proud of are our players. Whenever he came to practice or spoke to the team, they knew of his legacy and his love for us." – Marty Simmons – former student-athlete at UE and current head men's basketball coach
"He was a coach, my athletic director, golfing buddy, but more important for the last 42 years - he has been my friend. I stayed in contact after graduation as I moved to Indianapolis the day after leaving UE. He came up and we went to Colts games, played golf and he was just a good friend and mentor after those few short years after UE. Our relationship lasted 40 years after. When it came to being an AD, he knew what it took to be successful. He could look into a man's eyes and if he had the glint, he was going to be successful. He tells that story over and over again. He was a great people person, a player's coach." – Chuck Singer – former football player at UE under Coach Byers and current Board of Trustee member at UE
"Coach Byers was the Athletics Director who hired me to join the Purple Aces. His leadership, mentorship and friendship over the years has impacted countless members of our staff and student-athletes. I cherish the memories of working with Coach Byers and visiting with him. Coach Byers expected us to compete for championships. However, this would not be achieved through shortcuts or breaking the rules. Winning with integrity and people of high character was the only path UE would take." – Sarah Solinsky – Senior Associate AD at UE
"It is tough to quantify the impact Coach Byers had on UE athletics. His drive and leadership was felt for decades and will be felt for decades to come. Coach was a great ambassador and represented the very best of the University of Evansville. He will be greatly missed." – Mark Spencer – current Director of Athletics at UE
"No one has transformed and defined the excellence of Aces Athletics than Coach Byers. He has had a tremendous impact on my personal athletic administration career. I've never met a more genuine person with so much to offer to everyone. I already miss him terribly, but I am comforted to know that his legacy at UE and the City of Evansville will live on forever. I love you coach. One thing that he told me on my first day was "When facing a difficult decision, if you always do what is best for the student-athletes then you will always make the correct decision."; that is something that will stick with me forever." – Lance Wilkerson – current Senior Associate Athletic Director at UE
