James Righeimer was Dedicated Athletic Coach

James J. "Coach Rig" Righeimer, age 80, of Lincolnshire, passed away on March 19, 2013.

He was a coach and teacher in Chicago and the North Shore for over 45 years.

In 1966, Righeimer came to Highland Park High School and coached football, wrestling and track for about 20 years, according to the Chicago Tribune. He was also a driver's education instructor for about 30 years. He retired in the mid 1990s then went on to work with young people through the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Righeimer held a strong belief that like himself, high school athletes could find their path to a college education through sports, according to the Tribune.

Righeimer was the beloved husband of the late Therese Kathleen nee Redican; loving dad of Mary Ellen (Tom) Rucks, Jim (Lene), Brian (Vicki), Laura (Chris) Janssen and Jeannie (Doug) Balsam; cherished "Poppy" of Brianne Rucks (Jason) Van Hemert, Chris (Nikki) and Alex Rucks, angel Rebecca Grace, Morgan, Ellie and Katherine Righeimer, Stephanie, Angela, Vanessa and Austin Righeimer, Christian, Quinn and Tynan Janssen, Mira, Petrea and Alexa Balsam; great-grandfather of Celia and Elise Van Hemert and Lyla Rucks; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Mary and Harry Righeimer, brother Jack Righeimer and sister Kay Breslin.

Services were held. Interment was at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.

A memorial video can be viewed here.

Donnellan Family Funeral Services of Skokie provided this information.