It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Dan Gatewood. Born on Feb. 27, 1965, Jim left us on his 61 st birthday, February 27, 2026, after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. Jim was a beloved husband, father and one of the most respected high school baseball coaches in Texas. He leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, integrity, faith, and family.

In his 25 years as a high school head coach, Jim amassed 446 wins. During his 19 years at McKinney North High School, Jim built a successful program grounded in discipline, accountability and a true “find a way to win” culture. Prior to McKinney North, Jim played a vital role as an assistant baseball coach for eight years at the University of Alabama. During his tenure at Alabama, the team won multiple championships, appeared in the College World Series in Omaha, and were the SEC Conference Champions in 2006.

To those who played for Coach Gatewood, he was far more than just a coach. 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.

His strong Christian faith shaped his leadership; he led with patience, grace and with a servant’s heart. His influence reached far beyond his own teams, impacting the broader baseball community well beyond Texas.

Those who knew him knew he loved baseball deeply, but Jim’s love for his family surpassed all else. Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lee and two adoring daughters, Rachel Erin and Grace Katherine. He is survived by his brother, Reginald Louis Gatewood and wife, Tamara, nephew Tyler Gatewood and niece Ava Gatewood. His family was Jim’s greatest pride and joy. He spoke of them with a full heart, centered his life around them and found his greatest joy in their presence.

While Jim has realized his heavenly reward, his impact here on this Earth will live on through his family, through the young men he shaped and through the example he set both on and off the baseball field.

The greatest honor of Jim’s professional career was the renaming of the McKinney North High School baseball field to Jim Gatewood Field. Now and forever, every player, parent and fan who attends a McKinney North home baseball game will see his name on Jim Gatewood Field and feel the influence of Coach Jim Gatewood himself.

A celebration of life for Jim will be held on Saturday, March 7th @ 2pm at Cottonwood Creek Church 1015 Sam Rayburn Tollway, Allen, TX. The family will receive friends and family immediately following the service.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

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