Jimmy L. Rausch

Jimmy L. Rausch, 86, of Evansville died Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Deaconess Hospital. Jim was born May 17, 1922 in Cincinnati, OH to Norma and Johnny Rausch was raised by his mother and step-father, Gilbert Benkert. He retired from the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation in 1982. His career started as a teacher and football coach at Bosse High School and he later became the first basketball coach at North High School. In 1967, his team won the Indiana High School State Basketball Championship and he was named the Indiana Coach of the Year. Jim was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. Jim graduated from Reitz High School in 1940 where he was an all-city performer in basketball and football. He then graduated from George Washington University where he lettered in four sports. As a senior, in 1947, he was the basketball team captain and an All-Southern Conference selection. Jim was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps., serving in World War II and Korea. Jim was a life-long member of St. Lucas United Church of Christ and the Car-Wil-Wal Class. He was a member of the Quarterback Club and one of the founders of the Huddleback Club where he enjoyed the fellowship of his many friends. Jim also served on the board of the Roberts Stadium Foundation and as director of Tupman Cemetery. Surviving Jim are his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann (Dyke) Rausch; his son Jeff (Phyllis) of Brownsburg, IN; daughter, Judy Davidson (Andy) of Evansville; grandsons, Adam (Erin) Rausch, Nathan (Danielle) Rausch, Nick (Sara) Davidson and Todd Huber and great grandson, Emmett Davidson. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Tommy in 1975. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 33 W. Virginia Street, Rev. Lynn Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Tupman Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and again on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Lucas United Church of Christ. Friends and family may leave condolences online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Jimmy L. Rausch

May 17, 1922 - February 22, 2009