James W. Hoskins Sr, age 77, passed away on June 24, 2018. Born and raised on Indian Lake by Anna Louise and Robert Hoskins Sr. He served in the US Army Reserves, achieved his Masters Degree in Education and was an amazing Educator, Athletic Director, and Football Coach for 33 years. He spent 18 years of retirement teaching Drivers Ed, spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and playing golf.
We loved a man who will be remembered for giving to others; setting an example for his children, grandchildren, students, athletes, and all he touched.
Survived by his loving wife Deanna; son James Jr. (Kathy); daughters Shelley (Rob) Rhinesmith and Tanya (Tom) Vanderpool; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and brother Robert Jr.
Calling will be at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road on Thursday, June 28, from 4 – 8 pm and service June 29 1 pm with calling 1 hour prior, also at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Indianapolis Animal Care Services, 2600 S. Harding St., Indianapolis, IN 46221 or https://friendsofindyacc.org/donate/, or Beech Grove High School Renaissance Program, 5330 Hornet Ave., Beech Grove, IN 46107.
Robert & Joanne Cunningham says
Dear Shelly and Deanna
Although Joanne and I can not be with you at this difficult time you are in our thoughts and prayers. It was a grand pleasure to know Jim and to be his friend. We seemed to be like thinkers and appreciated the same values in life; our children, grand children, and great grand children. He will be missed but he will be seen in everyone he touched, especially his family. May God be with you during this time.
Sincerely
Bob and Joanne Cunningham
Terry & Margaret Prince says
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and the family. Jim was a great neighbor for many years. He will be missed by many.
Charles Trimble says
He was my coach we he first came to Franklin Central. He was a great man.
Stephen A Mohr says
I share my positive thoughts and prayers with you Deanna and your family.
Coach Hoskins was a great Football & Track coach, mentor and teacher to me during my 1970-1074 years at Franklin Central H.S.
He will be missed.
Kind regards,
Steve Mohr
Curt Harris says
Prayers going out to the family. Coach was a great man, respected by all.
Dusti Woodbury says
Sorry to hear of your loss.
My Condolences to all of you.
You are in my thoughts.
Love
Dusti
Caroline says
He was such an awesome government/ history teacher and was in the best team of teachers my senior year. I am so sorry.
Caroline Tawney Bogard
Betsy Swengel says
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Hoskins was a well respected and loved teacher at FCHS. He will be missed.
Gary Ellis says
Very sorry. I was never fortunate enough to have him in class, but he was a great football coach and a nice man.
Jay A Piety says
Sorry to see you go coach. You made an impression on me my Freshman year by coming to see me in the hospital. Gave me a lot of support. Great track coach. Thanks for all your guidance.
RANDY WOOLDRIDGE says
There is no doubt that Mr Hoskins was the most important coach and teacher in my high school career. I didn’t become a History teacher, as I planned, but I did coach youth and college sports for 25 years. I thought of him often and I want your family to know how important he was in my life.
Ruth Jones Morgan says
My sincerest condolences for your family. Mr. Hoskins was one if my very favorite teachers at FC. He made class fun and you wanted to learn. I haven’t seen him in years but he will be missed.
Ruth Jones Morgan
FC class of 76.
Debbie viles says
Mr Hoskins was a terrific person! I had him for driver’s ed, he must have had nerves of steel to be in that passenger seat! Rest in peace…
Debbie Dougherty Viles
Mike McDivitt says
Coach Hoskins helped in the process of making this boy into a man. Thankful he was a teacher/coach/mentor in my life. Blessings to his family as you mourn his passing. May you be comforted in the knowledge of the positive impact he had on so many in his life.
Sherri Kehoe says
My sincerest condolences Dee to you and your family on the loss of such a nice man. I have fond memories of visits to your lake house when Steve and I were dating and then married and just sharing time with your family. Your family was such a huge part of the Reed family. I am sorry I won’t be able to personally attend the funeral but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Sherri
John Carpenter says
Much love and comfort to your family. I cannot find the words to truly express how much Coach Hoskins has meant to me, both when I was a student at Westfield and after I became a teacher and coach. He was a blessing.
Jackie Rush says
So sorry for your loss. He was a special kind of man. I’m sure his family will miss all the football stories he had.
Denny Smith says
Deanna & family,
Our hearts are just so sad for you. Jim was a grand soul, and for us, he represented so much that is good in life: Hard work, love for his family, willingness to help and share with others, and the desire to make a difference. There are very few men who can measure up to who he was while he was with us. We were so proud to have known him.
Pete Dupont says
Thanks coach for investing in others! Blessings and prayers to all the family! In Christa Love, The Duponts
Terry Daley says
Deanna and family have my heartfelt condolences at the passing of Jim. I first met Jim in ’73,when we were both coaching track: Jim at FC and I at Shelbyville. Who would expect we would both end up at BGHS: Jim as A.D. and I as English chair. As such I didn’t have much direct contact with Jim but could see he was well liked and a competent, conscientious, administrator of athletics. After I applied for a cross country position (and was “selected” for assistant volleyball), I came to see Jim differently. Honestly I was a little concerned that Jim would be always looking over my shoulder; after all I had been out of coaching for awhile and was leaving my comfort zone of teaching English. Well let me tell you: Jim was the best thing for me! Really he made me feel like I was helping him out by coaching. Jim and Deanna were all in for Hornet athletics; Deanna had to be top salesman of Hornet cushions every year. Just try to say no to her.Perhaps this is what Jim was referring to when he told me at my retirement to be ready for the “honey do” list. I saw Jim last summer; we had a great chat and I am shocked and saddened; this is our loss.
Craig Wiley says
Rest In Peace coach. You will be missed!