BELLEVUE, Ky. -- Family and friends said goodbye Saturday to 54-year-old Jeffery Lee James.

 

James, who had Down Syndrome, became an icon in the community for his 37 years as manager of the Bellevue Tiger's high school football team.

 

"If everybody had the attitude about life the way Jeff James did – this planet would be a fantastic place to be," said Bill Klopp, a retired Bellevue teacher.

 

Full Story

I knew Jeffrey from my days at the playground at Ruth Moyer. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. Bellevue was better for having him around!

A true Bellevue icon, prayers and condolences from the Pioneer fotball family.

I met Jeff my freshman year playing at Bellevue and he was a very inspirational to all of us past players. Actually, he was an inspiration to anyone that ever met him and had the pleasure of watching while on the sidelines. He would break us down in the pre-games and was always in charge of the managers bossing them around like they were his employees. The biggest game of the year for him was always the Dayton game. All we heard all week long was Beat Dayton !!!

 

There are two ICONS with Bellevue Football and now both of them have passed away. Mr. Ed Hausfeld and Jeffrey James. May both of them RIP.

Always sad to hear news like this. Sounds like the Bellevue family lost a great person. Prayers are with him and his family.

It was "Beat Dayton County" is what I always remember him saying when I played.