Rest in peace coach!  Prayers for your family during this time.

Thoughts and prayers are continual for the Matney Family, Golden Eagle Athletics, and the entire community. A tremendous loss to everyone. Great coach and mentor to so many, even better person and family man. Will be missed. GREAT RESPECT.

What a profound impact Coach Matney had across the Commonwealth. RIP.

It has been sad but beautiful to read the comments by so many about Coach Matney.  Just goes to show what an impact one man can have when he uses the platform that God gives him to serve others.  God bless the Matney family and the entire Johnson Central community. 

62 is just way too young. RIP Coach. 

13 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

62 is just way too young. RIP Coach. 

My friend was in his late 30's.

3 minutes ago, Brcatz said:

My friend was in his late 30's.

Even worse. Sorry for your loss.

My heart breaks for his wife and his two sons. Jim was as fine of a guy as you'd ever meet. Our state lost a legend. 

I am not sure if this is already in this thread but it is a good one, from Aaron Snyder on Facebook:

I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Coach Jim Matney several times over the years, but this was the only one on camera — for "Halftime Prep Talk" in 2018. He was one of the more unique and accomplished coaches to whom I've spoken. One comment that stuck with me from this particular interview was when he talked about coaching his sons in baseball: "We have a saying in coaching youth sports — we never, ever lose. We either win or we learn." Knowing the competitor he was, deep down he preferred that first option, but he meant what he said. Good stuff. Coach Matney will be sorely missed.

Way too young! Many blessings to the young Men he coached and taught life lessons, may those young men take those life lessons and pay it forward, keeping his legacy alive, teaching the youth of today the values of the sport of football. Remain Gentleman on and off the field, that is the biggest Honor you can show a Coach. Remember what he instilled in you and always honor Coach. For you Coach, keep your whistle handy, the play book, keep sending in the signals, the Young Men will wait and look for them and your approval, Fly High! TOUCHDOWN! 

Coach Matney was unashamed of his relationship with Jesus Christ, and I love the way he passed Christian values along to the young men he coached.  His influence will live on, and I pray for strength and comfort for Jim's family and friends impacted each day as they adjust to life without him. 

From Brian Milam on Facebook:

Like so many of you I am heartbroken over Coach Matney’s passing.  I have said this before, but wanted to place it here.  In 23 years of TV, I have a come across hundreds of coaches. Jim Matney is in a small group of the best in several categories. He is in a smaller group of the best men I’ve ever met.  He is at the head of the class of coaches who made believers out of doubters. Jim Matney was a preacher of faith, not just spiritual faith, but faith in the human spirit.  He was so eloquent marrying football, a mountain way of life, and inspiring communities with simple words.  The picture attached was from nearly 20 years ago at his house.  His beautiful wife Debby made dinner and we talked for what felt like endless hours.  I do not have many pictures taken of me with coaches, but I am so thankful to have this one.
Tanner Hesterberg shared a video years ago which always makes me get a little teary-eyed.  He got kids to believe in themselves when most of America makes fun of the mountain way of life. 

Bless you and thank you Coach Matney for your friendship and the many ways you inspired everyone to better people. 
One of my favorite Jim Matney quotes came in 1999 after his SCHS team pulled a monumental upset beating Lawrence County 18-16. I asked how he did it. “Well, I’ll tell ya. It was divine intervention…and a good dose of defense!” Just always loved this quote ? RIP Coach Matney

Listening to the great Philip Haywood speak about Jim Matney tells you all you need to know about how the latter was regarded in football circles and beyond.

 

Prayers from Elkton Ky and the Todd Co Rebels!!!