By Melissa Fili
MethuenLife Writer
Proud Rangers coach Bill James will forever watch over the action at Methuen High’s Klimas Field House. A stunning plaque, engraved with his image, was unveiled last month before a crowd of about 75 family, friends, school administrators and colleagues as well as fellow coaches and former MIHS athletes.
The plaque, located just inside the field house’s main entrance, reads: “In honor of Coach James. A legendary Hall of Fame coach, devoted educator, and influential leader who guided and inspired generations of students and athletes over his distinguished 30-year career. May 22, 1967 – Oct. 15, 2024.”
The plaque also includes the Methuen Rangers logo and the image of 2 opposing wrestlers about to face off.
Coach James’ widow, Laurie, a longtime Methuen Public Schools’ physical education teacher like her husband, thanked the crowd for their unwavering support since a fall in 2023 left him paralyzed. A little over a year later, Coach James passed away.
“Legendary Coach James was an extraordinary man who left a lasting impact on the school, on the cross-country and wrestling teams, and on the entire Methuen community,” Laurie said. “Coach James’ coaching record speaks for itself and I think he deserves to have this night.”
His achievements and recognitions include (but are not limited to):
*Cross country – Five MVC championships, 6-time MVC Coach of Year, 3-time Eagle-Tribune Coach of the Year, 2-time Boston Globe Coach of the Year and 2002 Eastern Mass. D1 champions.
*Wrestling – Over 500 wins, 9 MVC championships, 1997 team was state champion, the 2012 team was undefeated state champion, 3-time D1 North Section champs, 6-time North sectional finalist, 5-time MVC Coach of Year, National Wrestling Coaches Association MA Coach of Year, 3-time Boston Globe Coach of Year, 4-time Eagle-Tribune Coach of Year, and inducted into MA State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.
“Beyond the awards and championships, what truly set Bill apart was his unwavering dedication to the personal growth of his athletes and students,” Laurie said. “He touched and helped thousands of lives, instilling valuable life lessons and constantly encouraging those around him to stive to be their best. His focus was always on character, integrity, resilience, hard work and teamwork.
“Wherever Bill went, he was a true leader in every sense of the word: as a teacher, as a coach, as a husband, as a father, as a friend and as a mentor. There wasn’t a single life that crossed his path that he didn’t have a positive impact on no matter who they were,” Laurie said. “That is what will be, without a doubt, his greatest legacy.”
The James family thanked Athletic Director Tom Ryan, Superintendent Brandi Kwong, “the Methuen wrestling team and the awesome Methuen wrestling parents for their efforts to raise funds to make this plaque possible.”
The crowd of family, Methuen High colleagues and coaches, and former student-athletes applauds after Coach James’ son, Brock, removed the covering giving guests their first look at the plaque.
AD Ryan also thanked Methuen Memorials and Harvey Signs. Following the short ceremony, family members, colleagues and teammates took photos near the plaque, agreeing that it was a fitting tribute to a coach, teacher and mentor who left a legendary and lasting impact in Methuen.
