James Dekker ’72 was b0rn into the coaching life. Jim’s father, John, was a youth basketball coach in San Francisco and ran the family business, Dekker & Sons Sporting Goods—a neighborhood institution in the Sunset District. At St. Ignatius High School, Jim played varsity baseball and basketball. While at Santa Clara, Jim would commute to the City to assist his high school baseball coach. He was then hired as an English teacher and head varsity baseball coach. Over 16 seasons, Jim led the St. Ignatius Wildcats to over 200 victories. Upon retirement, Jim was honored by the Alumni Office being renamed for him while the mayor of San Francisco declared June 7th “Jim Dekker Day.” Jim died Feb. 7, 2024, and is survived by family, including son Joseph Dekker ’02.