JAMES WARREN HUFF

A great coach, teacher, friend, and all-around human being is hard to find and impossible to forget. The family of James Warren Huff, 68, sadly announces to his beloved community that he departed this earthly field on January 26th at Holston Valley Hospital as his devoted wife, his son, and his sister held and whispered him to Glory.

Jim Huff was born in Pennington Gap, VA to the late Gladys and Lester Huff of the Woodway community. He was a born-again Christian of the Baptist faith.

Among those left to cherish the memories of this hero are his beautiful wife, Pamela, his son and best friend, Jacob and wife Hollie, his precious granddaughters Johnna Kate and Maddie, his sister and the founder of his fan club, Anita Moore; sisters-in-law and dear friends Sherry and Doug Horne and Vanessa and Edison Perry; brother-in-law Willie and Linda Ratliff; nieces Melanie (Joey) Deckard and Samantha (Andrew) McPheron; nephews Brandon (Mikki) Hale, Willie Lee (Brandy) Ratliff, Tyler Ratliff, Nicholas Perry and an extensive host of cousins and friends.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. As a graduate of Pennington High School and Lincoln Memorial University, his career in education and coaching led him through several schools in the area including JJ Kelly, Coeburn, Powell Valley, and Union High School. As an assistant coach, he amassed five State Football Championships, and was always so proud of his boys and fellow staff members. But the truly meaningful wins he achieved in this life were in the everyday interactions he had with whomever happened to be in his path. Whether a famous athlete or a lonely outsider, Coach Huff was the bestower of respect and kindness, and he had a never-ending eagerness to help.

The stories of the lives he touched are truly countless. We are filled with gratitude for the love, inspiration, and legacy he has left. Well done, Coach Huff.

The family received friends 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Union High School Auditorium. The service followed at 8:00 p.m.; his son, Pastor Jacob Huff officiated. Burial was 12:00 noon on Tuesday at Lee Memorial Gardens, Woodway, Va. The family and friends met at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap at 11:00 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Doug Horne, Edison Perry, Travis Turner, Tim Thomas, Lynn Sturgill and Matt Sturgill. Honorary pallbearers will be: Phil Robbins and current and past football players and coaches.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Union Primary School, re: Bear Backpack Program, 2945 2nd Ave., E., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or the Union High School, re: Bear Den, 2 Champions Ave., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.

Gillam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Huff family.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.