Name: Visitation for James D. "Jim" Houdeshell
Start: 2024-03-16T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-03-16T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

James D. "Jim" Houdeshell

James D. "Jim" Houdeshell, 93, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Marana, Arizona.

Jim recently relocated following the death of his wife, Mira, on Nov. 22, 2023. They were married Feb. 20, 1953, and enjoyed 70 years of marriage.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Findlay College, earning varsity letters in basketball, baseball, and football. He served 60 years at the college. He had numerous positions including football, baseball, and track and field head coach, athletic director, various Deans, and Special Assistant to the President. But, he is best known as the basketball coach from 1955-1985. While Jim did love athletics, he most cherished his relationship with his student athletes and the lifelong friendships that developed from this.

For his contributions to athletics, he received numerous awards, including Findlay College Athletic Hall of Fame 1975, NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame as Coach 1981, Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame 1987, Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame 2019, and NACDA Hall of Fame 2006.

In addition to his love of sports, Jim also was an avid antique collector. His favorites were Houghton and Dalton Pottery, of which he wrote a reference book, Greentown Glass.

Jim earned a Master's Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Doctorate in Physical Education from Indiana University.

His service to the Findlay community included serving on Findlay City School Board, Rotary, United Way, American Red Cross, and Hancock Recreation and Parks Commission.

Jim attended College First Church of God, Findlay, and also Bread of Life Assembly of God in Marana, Arizona.

Jim's survivors include his son, James P. "Jamie" (Cheri) Houdeshell; brother, Harold "Butch" (Sandi); sisters, Geraldine Hauenstein and Sharon (Martin) Still; grandchildren, Ethan and Zoe (Xebastian) Aguilar; great-granddaughter, Gianna (whom he got great pleasure from); nieces and nephews; ex-daughter-in-law, Anne (Denny) Bash; and little dog, Bandit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adron and Clara (Boutwell) Houdeshell; wife, Mira (Frost); and brother-in-law, Kenneth Hauenstein.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, until the time of Jim's funeral at 11 a.m. at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, 205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay. Pastor Tim Hauenstein will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay.

Memorials may be given to the Dr James D. '53 and Mira M. (Frost '78) Houdeshell Scholarship in care of University of Findlay.

Online condolences are welcomed at www.coldencrates.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Courier on Mar. 11, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Houdeshell

7 Entries

Jacque McBride

September 6, 2025

I first met Jim when he interviewed our families about our Houghton Dalton Pottery. Our prayers are with his family.

Like and Jeanne Bartolomeo

April 3, 2024

What a wonderful guy. Jim and Myra both meant a great deal to us. Luke and Jeanne Bartolomeo

Brian Ligon

March 24, 2024

Simply a great man. Loved the school and its students. Wrestled and then graduated in 1969. He was a mentor to all of us, especially athletes. Had not communicated with him since 1969. Returned to a reunion a few years ago. Without hesitation he called out my name. After more than 50 years. More people know what a great school Findlay is because of him than anybody.

Brad W Inbody

March 15, 2024

I cannot be at the funeral on Saturday because of work but I was very sorry to hear about Dr. Houdeshell passing away. Both of my parents both knew him and I had his brother as my Ph Ed teacher at L- B. When I moved back to Findlay in 2006, I went to see him at his house office. He was very gracious about filling me in how how Findlay went from a College, where I graduated, to becoming an University. I really appreciated that very much. Once again, a real class act and a great coach and a teacher.

Sheila Fox, Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame

March 14, 2024

Our hearts go out to the entire Houdeshell family as you navigate through your grief. May Dr. Houdeshell's legacy live on through you and through his impact on the game of basketball.

Nelson Bolden jr

March 11, 2024

Thank you for all you´ve done for me at the University Of Findlay pushing for all American honors becoming a better person graduating from college and thank you for hiring coach Dickk Strong thank you for having all our championship games played in the university of Finley. You will always be loved and missed Bolden jr.