James "Coach" Taveniere
November 5, 2010

                        


Life Legacy



TAVENIERE, JAMES “Coach”, 81, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 5, 2010, at his home in Sebring, FL, under the care of Good Shepherd Hospice with his family at his side. James leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Miriam; their daughter, Linda and four sons, Gary, Wade, Craig and David. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. James was born in Englewood, NJ and came to Florida to attend and graduate from Stetson University. After college, he proudly served as a United States Marine during the Korean Conflict where he was awarded three service medals. After his discharge, he moved to Sebring and began his career with the Highlands County School System. His love of education extended over 38 years with the majority of his time being spent at Sebring High School. He was extremely proud of the many students he impacted through the years either in the classroom or involved in the various sports programs he coached, from girls swimming to boys basketball, earning many rewards and titles along the way. He taught mainly science related classes and finished his career as an Assistant Principal. He also loved to travel, the outdoors both camping and backpacking, and although he received degrees and certificates from various schools, he was an avid fan of the University of Florida Gators. He leaves a legacy of love for his family, and the belief in the importance of education and sports in young peoples lives. A celebration of his life will take place at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, November 9th at Bible Fellowship Church, 3750 Hammock Road, Sebring, with Dr. Eugene Bengtson officiating. The family will receive friends the hour preceding, beginning at 5:00 pm. The family suggests memorials to Good Shepherd Hospice, Sebring High School Scholarship Fund or The Highlands Gator Club Scholarship fund.
Condolences or Life Stories may be expressed in his Guestbook. Morris Funeral Chapel, Sebring, Fl.

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Survived By

Miriam Taveniere, Wife
Linda Taveniere, Daughter
Gary Taveniere, Son
Wade Taveniere, Son
Craig Taveniere, Son
David Taveniere, Son
seven grandchildren
three great grandchildren



             Facts

Place of Birth: Englewood, NJ
Place of Death: Sebring, FL
Occupation: Teacher, Coach
and Assiantant Principle
at Sebring High School

Guestbook

11/08/2010 - Gary M. Lanier
I have always held Coach in the highest regard not only as coach but as friend, teacher and mentor. He will definitely be missed at our high school reunions.

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11/08/2010 - Gary Cucchiaro
I will miss you, Coach. You were one of the best! God Speed
Gary

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11/08/2010 - Jack Spencer Newcomer
I was never a very good Basketball player, but I will never forget one compliment he gave me more than once. He often said that I had the best looking miss on the team. I feel fortunate to have had him as a teacher and coach. He will be missed.

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11/09/2010 - Anne Hunt Copley
Jim worked with us at Kahn's Dept. Store,living at the Nancesowee Hotel. We had many folks who would just wait to have him serve them,especially the ladies who knew him to be an eligible bachelor - Miriam and Jim were wonderful friends to "Bucky" and me, we traveled extensively and enjoyed so many laughs from Jim's sense of humor. He will be a great asset to the heavenly school-
My love to Mimi and all the children. humor

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11/09/2010 - Libby Kahn
I first met "Coach" when he rescued me when I was just a little child. I climbed up on a chain-linked fence to see the football practice going on, my foot got caught in the chain-link, and as I hung upside down, crying, "Coach" came to my rescue! God bless you, "Coach". You were a great biology teacher and friend of the family.

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11/09/2010 - Ron Sauls
I am greatly saddened by the passing of Jim (Coach) Tavenier. He had a great impact on my life! I knew him mostly as my basketball coach and biology teacher, but he was so much more.He was a great athlete, coach, educator, leader, mentor and role model. Our High School and community were truly blessed when Jim Tavenier decided to make Sebring his home. Jim was a bachelor when I was in high school and I am thankful that Miriam came into his lfe and gave him the family he so deserved. My hearfelt conolences to Coach's family and especially Miriam for their loss.

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11/09/2010 - Michael Kahn
Having known coach nearly all of my life, I can't imagine a world without him in it. What can I possibly say that hasn't already been said about this giant of a man? I love you Coach, and I'll miss you.
Mike

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11/10/2010 - Tammy and Allen Wilkerson
Coach will greatly be missed, I always looked forward to seeing his big smile and talking sports with him when he came into Dots. He spread encouragement to all that knew him. And was still trying to recruit for the basketball team until the end. My prayers are with you, and if there is anything we can do let us know.

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11/13/2010 - Thomas Butler
Gary and Linda, we grew up together and I have many wonderful memories from those times. The Coach was one of those teachers that influenced my life, even to this day. God bless you both.

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04/13/2011 - Carol Srubbs
Coach T was my Biology teacher. He expected a lot so I rose to the challenge, though Biology was not an innate interest. I remember him, casually almost reclining as he taught. He seemed to enjoy the subject and us. I will always recall his calmness and his smile. I just learned of his death online and am grateful to pay condolences. To all who cared.....Carol Stubbs (Smith) '61

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