James William Stone, II

A Life Remembered Jim Stone passed away in Fort Collins, Colorado on March 10, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1952, the youngest of three children to James and Marion Stone. He grew up with a love for sports and education that shaped his life’s path. Jim is survived by sisters, Monica and Johanna. He attended Battle Creek Central High School in Michigan, where his athletic achievements earned him a place in the school’s Hall of Fame. He played basketball for his father at Kellogg Community College during the 1971–1972 season. He then attended Ball State University, where he discovered his passion for volleyball and was named an All-American at the NCAA Championships in 1974. With both parents being educators, Jim gravitated to a career in education. He earned a master’s degree in education from Bowling Green University in 1977. Jim began an extraordinary coaching career spanning four decades. He first served as an Instructor in Education at the University of Wyoming in 1978 and later became the head volleyball coach there from 1979 to 1981. In 1982, He then joined The Ohio State University as Head Volleyball Coach, a position he held with distinction until 2007. From 2007 to 2019, Jim continued to share his expertise and mentorship as a coach for USA Volleyball’s Girls Youth National Team, winning the FIVB World Championship in 2019. While with USA Volleyball, Jim started “Volleyball Training Solutions,” an online coaching education and consulting business designed to elevate coaches' expertise in working with players of all ages. He also authored the book “A Game Plan for Better Practices,” which focused on coach education. He was named to The Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame and designated as an “All-Time Great Coach” by USA Volleyball. His dedication, leadership, and love of the game left an enduring mark on everyone he worked with and inspired. A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 9 am to 10 am, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 am, both at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins CO 80524. Jim's service will be live-streamed. Copy this link, which will activate about 15 minutes prior to the service, https://www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/james-stone-59/#!/TributeWall. If there is a problem with the internet, the service is also being recorded and will be uploaded to the Tribute Wall on Jim's obituary page the day after the service.

Tributes

James William Stone, II

July 18, 1952 - March 10, 2026