University News

James "Jim" Kerwin Obituary

August 17, 2021

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MACOMB, IL – Funeral services for retired Western Illinois University Leatherneck men's basketball coach James "Jim" Kerwin will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20 at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale, AR.

Kerwin passed away Friday, Aug. 13 in Arkansas. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 at Westfield Chapel Funeral Home in Springdale, and burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Pawhuska City Cemetery in Pawhuska, OK.

Kerwin took over the Leatherneck men's basketball program in April 1992 and coached at the University for 11 seasons, retiring in 2003. He was named the Mid-Continent Conference Coach of the Year in 1998-99 and the team's 20-8 record in 1994-95 was WIU's first 20-win season in more than a decade.

He came to Macomb after serving as an assistant coach at Kansas State University. He had also played as a semi-professional basketball player for the Phillips Petroleum 66ers. At the time of his retirement, Kerwin ranked fourth on WIU's all-time wins list.

Kerwin is survived by his wife, Gayle; one son, Kyle; one daughter, Kari; three grandchildren; two sisters and one brother.

For additional obituary information, visit westfieldchapel.com.



Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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