James Lee Urczyk

James “Coach” Lee Urczyk, 78, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

James Urczyk, middle son of Peter Urczyk and Georgia Anna Lee (Ferrell) Urczyk, was born June 16, 1946 in McKees Rocks, PA. Jimmy graduated from Stowe High School where he starred on the football and basketball Varsity Teams. In 1963, he was the winner of the MUHA Award presented to the player who was voted the most outstanding on the Stowe High Football team.

Recruited by many top universities, Jim was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Miami where he stayed for two years. While at Miami, he played in the legendary Orange Bowl alongside Miami greats, Ted Hendricks and Pete Banaszak.

Transferring in 1966 to Central Missouri State University, Jim was a standout offensive tackle for the Mules from 66-68. In his Senior season of 1968, the Mules earned a bid to the Mineral Water Bowl and he became the first Mules Football player to be named as a first-team selection on the Associated Press Small College All American team. In 1995, he was inducted into CMSU Sports Hall of Fame. James graduated with a Bachelors degree in Education in 1970.

From CMSU, Jim was drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats of the Canadian Football League.

In December 1968, James was united in marriage to Patricia Sue Wickell. They relocated to Olathe, Kansas in 1972.

Upon graduation, Jim began teaching and coaching at Shawnee Mission Northwest. This is where he became “Coach” to so many over his 31-year career.

At NW, Jim taught PE & Health classes making many lifelong friends and mentoring the thousands of athletes that he coached. Among the sports coached by him were swimming, tennis, and football. He helped lead the football team in winning the 1981 Kansas State Championship. Jim was also the head wrestling coach for 32-years where he fostered many State Champions. Jim retired from teaching in 2003 and embarked on his retirement.

After his retirement, Coach was quickly hired by a former student, John Hartley, to help manage and be the “friendly face” of the newly built Palazzo movie theaters in Overland Park, which later became B&B Overland Park 16. From 2004-2025 Coach welcomed, and provided many magical movie experiences for the beloved patrons.

Coach is survived by his children Brad (Brandi) Urczyk, Olathe, KS; Amanda Urczyk, North Kansas City, MO; Kylie Urczyk, Olathe, KS. His grandchildren, Brettell (Michael) Lynch, Olathe, KS; Brooke Urczyk, Paola, KS; Brenna Urczyk, Olathe, KS; and Colton (Abby) Urczyk, Olathe, KS. His brother Jeff (Lois) Urczyk, Naples, FL. Childhood lifelong friend Jimmy Trombeta, McKees Rocks, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Georgia Urczyk and his brother Jerry Urczyk.

James, Jim, Jimmy, Coach, Moose, Dad, brother, and Gramps, these were all names he answered to. He had so much love in his heart and gave many selfless acts of kindness and charity. Coach was a very devoted grandfather and made sure to attend every birthday party, graduation, and sporting event. He is deeply loved and missed by all his family, former students and movie patrons that looked forward to seeing him there as much as the movies themselves.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel. Following the service, the family will receive guests for a visitation until 4:00 PM. The service will be livestreamed. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in James’ memory be made to Central Missouri State University Cardinal & Black Fund to support the annual fund for athletics.

Please use the link at: www.ucmfoundation.org/giving/
**click on “Give Online”
**select designation and enter “Cardinal & Black Fund”

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