Coach Gatewood recruited me to the University of Alabama and make an incredible impact on my life. He believed in me and was a very steady presence during our two years together. During my visit to Tuscaloosa,  he took my family and I to Calvary Church where I ended up teaching a HS Sunday school class my senior year. He threw the best batting practice, we were always fighting over which players got to hit off of him. He had an incredible eye for talent, putting together our 2006 SEC Championship team. I will forever be grateful to Coach Gatewood for taking a chance on me, going from an under recruited HS player to All-American and SEC player of the year. I am lucky to have been coached by him and appreciative of everything he invested to help me be a better player and person. I’m very sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. 

To Coach Gatewood’s Family. I grieve with you for the loss of this wonderful husband, father, brother, family member, coach, and friend to so many. As a colleague of Jim’s at McKinney North for several years, I agree with all of the attributes and descriptions of Jim. He had my utmost respect and appreciation. Like Coach Pratt, his players were easy to spot in one’s  classroom. Due to the high standards set by these coaches, their players who were my students were respectful and hard working students. I went to so many home games to watch not only my students, but to watch their amazing coach. I’m so glad the baseball stadium at North bears his name. An honor well-deserved. I can’t imagine how much you miss him. I know he would want you to love each other well and live the lives he hoped for you. And to influence others to figure out how to be winners in this journey of life with humility and integrity. 

Memories from Mckinney North and his Daughters signing

Theater Signing — with Coach Gatewood and and his wife and daughter and other Boyd Theater Signees

“He was a mentor, a leader, and a true role model. Players…and fellow coaches…admired his consistency, humility, and the way he quietly held himself and others to a higher standard. He believed the lessons learned on the baseball field would equip his players to become better men well beyond their days on a baseball diamond”. 

Nothing truer could be said of my experience with Jim.  The young men on his first varsity team at Richardson went on to success in all walks of life, and I owe him a deep debt of gratitude for the role he played in my life.  He will be deeply missed.

Lee

So sorry to hear this, Jim was a great friend in my baseball days. I’ve sent this to many of our Sheridan friends. Prayers for your family .