Wa-Hi coach passes away

Walla Walla High School coach passes away

Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors, administration, staff and students are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Walla Walla High School teacher James "Jim" Smith.

Smith, 63, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5. He taught in Walla Walla Public Schools for 27 years. Currently, Smith remained on the Walla Walla High School coaching staff as an assistant in football and boys basketball and head boys golf coach. Smith also spent 14 years as the Blue Devil varsity girls basketball coach.

Walla Walla High School staff and basketball players were notified late Wednesday afternoon after the report of his death came into the district office.

“Jim Smith made a positive impact on the lives of thousands Walla Walla youth and will be greatly missed by his Wa-Hi family,” said Superintendent Mick Miller.

Griefbusters support staff will be set-up in the school Thursday for staff and students who need grief support. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Memorial Service: Pending