Nell Eichten Madison WI – Posted On: March 12, 2016

To the McBride Family,
My name is Nell Eichten, I do not know if you know me, but I like to think that I knew Mr. McBride more than some. He was my softball coach for only two years, but they were the most enjoyable years in my athletic career that I can recall. When hearing of his passing I wanted nothing but to return home to see his family and mine. When I speak of my family I do not talk of those I lived with for 18 years, but those I shared a field with for much less time. Though I cannot return, I find it important to tell you why Mr. McBride was important to me, because I do not deserve to keep his greatness to myself.
Mr. McBride was, and remains to be, my favorite coach. To those that do not know me that means very little, but I assure you that it is one of the greatest titles I have given to anyone in my life. I have had more coaches than I can attempt to remember, many of them were amazing coaches, but without a doubt Mr. McBride was the best. When I first joined his team I was a sophomore and we were beginning the first year of the Loyal-Granton co-op. I know more than most that co-ops are difficult to keep; connection between teammates must be earned, communication between schools is often lost, and “travel” is a word I associated with my daily life. Even though I was the only player to join from Granton, Mr. McBride was more than welcoming. He made friends with my other coach (my father), he changed the name of the team (banning the association of the word greyhound), and he made his team a family.
Every day Mr. McBride started practice with a meeting in his room just to talk to everyone and to wait for my arrival. He began the day by sincerely asking everyone how they were doing, if they needed help with their homework, if they had any fun ideas for practice, or if they had something in their mind that they wanted to talk about. Mr. McBride treated us more as his friends than his players, he cared about his players emotionally, academically, and in the world of softball. Practice began after my arrival and my chance to chat, because a team cannot start without all of its players. In practice if you were given a compliment you were not allowed to acknowledge it as yourself, the only accepted response was “go dawgs” because one person’s greatness means nothing without the greatness of their team. When I consistently made mistakes Mr. McBride didn’t yell or give false hope, because he knew that in my head I was scolding myself enough. He simply watched and let me learn by myself. If that didn’t happen soon enough he would see my rage making me worse. He would talk me down, laugh at me, and find someone, if not him, that could help me fix my error. Looking back I see he laughed at me quite a bit, and I can tell you it was the best thing he could’ve done. It wasn’t a laugh at my mistake, and it wasn’t a laugh to himself, but it was a laugh that recognized who I was and at my overly competitive nature and judgements of myself. In those times I wish I could laugh at my own ignorance to pull myself out of my own world but I was incapable, Mr. McBride however, always lightened my spirits, because in that laugh he showed how he didn’t care if I made a mistake, or if we lost, because he had the confidence that I lacked, that knew what we were capable of and had the patience to wait for it to emerge. That laugh is associated with many things, but the one that will bring a smile to my face is associated with the game; I have learned to recognize when it was coming because when I most needed it was when I was standing in the batter’s box. I was always ready, excited, and hoping for a fastball. Often I would miss, or swing at a wild pitch, but when I turned to look at a sign from my coach he always gave me the same one. He never told me to bunt, or take a pitch because he trusted my judgement. The sign given to me is when he would lift his hands palms down, move them up and down and laugh at me, giving me the easily recognizable sign that simply said “calm down”.
Mr. McBride wasn’t a coach so he could remain in his glory days, he didn’t want to improve his reputation, and he wasn’t there so everyone could have fun when we lost. He was there because he loved the game. Playing softball was the closest I have gotten to a Sandlot moment in my life, and I can say that I am sorry for kids who do not have the opportunity to play ball on the now private diamonds, or spend the summer days jumping, or in my case diving, into puddles and just enjoying simply being young. Mr. McBride let us enjoy our practice, he bought snacks for the games, he made jokes with us, and he allowed me to make memories I didn’t think existed anymore.
Mr. McBride knew were weren’t there just to have fun, we wanted to have fun while winning. Because it’s more fun to win right? He understood that, and for those of us that so often critique ourselves, we were always given the opportunity to be better. One of my favorite memories of Mr. McBride was on a Sunday; we had just finished a Friday game and would be returning on Monday to play one of our many rivals. I was discouraged with how I hit on Friday and did not want to make the same mistake. I called Mr. McBride on Saturday night to discuss my batting and he told me that Sunday afternoon I should drive to the gym for more batting practice. When I arrived with my father, Mr. McBride opened the gym and allowed me to set up the batting cage. He and my father would switch out loading the pitching machine so the other could watch me swing. I hit the ball like a champion that day and both of them knew it. I could see the two discussing my perfect swing and finding nothing worth correcting. After an hour Mr. McBride approached me smiling, having just unloaded yet another bucket of balls, he asked, “Are you ready to admit you’re crazy or would you like me to keep pitching you more balls to crush?” After grumbling that he was right and I was crazy, we shut down the gym, got ready to leave and ended with a “see you tomorrow”.
Even after he was no longer my coach I still saw him as one. I would often be found in his room before or after practice sitting on the same desk (which he never yelled at me for) and talking to him about our lives. He often talked about his family and the lives of students important to him. We discussed our plans for the future, talked about the past, and most importantly the softball season. Though he was not our coach, we talked strategy, stats, and how the team was doing. He continued to care for my ever injured ankle by asking me how it was, or making me show him how I taped it because if it was poor he would fix it. And now I sit on the day of his funeral admiring the home-run ball he so ceremoniously gave to me, remembering my family on the field, and hoping he knew how great he was.
I am incredibly sorry for the loss that will be felt by the passing of this amazing man, but he will be remembered every time I pick up a ball or attempt to coach another, and I want you to remember that he created a family that will always remember him too.

Elroy Roedel Loyal,WI – Posted On: March 12, 2016

My sincerest sympathies to Heidi, Tierney, and Katie in the loss of your husband and father. Jim always had a smile on his face and a " comment "for me whenever I saw him. His tutelage in math to Gordon, Megan, and Grant must have made an impression as they all participated in math league and rarely came to me for help on math homework. Jim will truly be missed as a respected fixture in the school and an active participant in our community.

Earl Larson Thorp, now Franklin Wi – Posted On: March 11, 2016

I had the privilege to work with Jim as one of my assistants for the Thorp FB program. Jim was dedicated to the work he loved and was one of the most devoted coaches I have had the experience to work with. He always was someone you could count on and he did a fabulous job with our kids. I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to know him as a coach and as a fellow math teacher.
I want to express to his family my heartfelt condolences that he was taken at his young age from all the things he loved, and I hope and pray that God will help you through this time of sorrow.
Earl Larson

Millie Larson Greenwood Wisconsin – Posted On: March 10, 2016

On behalf of the Larson family, I extend our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of your husband and father. Mr.McBride was my math teacher in HS as well as my children's. He is a legend and a great teacher. The two older kids say it is thanks to him, they were prepared for college. May all the best memories you have of him stay close to your heart as they will get you through the hard days ahead. Again, our sincere sympathy to your family.
Millie

Janet and Don Hills Loyal, WI – Posted On: March 10, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying and difficult time. The love of family and many friends will help you through this. His suffering is over with and will rest in peace. God bless!

Donna Langfeldt loyal, Wisconsin – Posted On: March 10, 2016

My sympathy to Jim's family. I'm sure it was a rough road. God bless and keep you Strong. Donna Langfeldt & family.

Randy and Shelley Domine Loyal Wi. – Posted On: March 10, 2016

Remembering "Mr. McBride" for the gentle, kind soul that he always was to our daughters when he was their math teacher and softball coach. He always took time to chat with you, flashing his happy smile or giving the kids a pat on the back to lift up their spirits...No matter what, he will simply be missed by everyone whose life he touched...Jim's journey here is over, but he has the gift of eternal life now, resting in God's everlasting love...Heidi and family, our hearts are one with yours in your grief and ask God to bless us all with the peace that passes all understanding during these heartbreaking days...Rest in peace Jim till we meet again

Barbara Payne Piesz Naperville, IL – Posted On: March 9, 2016

Dear Heidi and Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite teachers. His nickname for me was Miss Intheneck. He made my teenage years more tolerable.

Now that I'm older, I don't know how he did it except that he had a sense of humor.

Praying for you,

Barbara Payne "Intheneck" Piesz
Class of 1990

Joanne Zupanc loyal wi – Posted On: March 9, 2016

Dear Heidi and family, We want to express our deep sorrow at your loss. Jim is fondly remembered as a dedicated teacher and friend to many. My God comfort you and give you strength! Warmest regards, Joanne,Josh and Timmy Zupanc.

Doug Eichten Granton WI – Posted On: March 9, 2016

A sad day for my family and I. My daughter had the privilege of playing softball for him as part of the Loyal-Granton Coop (GO DOGS!) She started as a sophomore who hadn't played ball for years. Jim's tutelage and attitude helped her become the player she is. He was always positive. He would come into the school anytime, any day, to help her work on her swing. He stopped by my work to give me the softball she hit over the fence in the first at bat in the Greenwood game. He even had the event and date written on it. We missed him after he stopped coaching and am very sad his life ended so early. My condolences to his family. I will always remember him kindly.

Suzanne & Dennis Fravert Loyal, WI. – Posted On: March 9, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to all. I was a part of the Loyal High School staff an I had enjoyed my conversations we had, either
in the hall, at staff meetings or otherwise. He was a very nice person and we shared the same day birthday, in which we made way to say
Happy Birthday to each other. May he rest in peace now.

Cari M Loyal, WI – Posted On: March 9, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss! I recently heard about his health and kept him and your family in my prayers. He is at rest now! I will never forget him as a teacher or father. He raised beautiful children and he was the best math teacher I have ever met. Because of him my love for math continued to grow! He will be missed. God Bless.

Vickie wilson Auburndale wi – Posted On: March 9, 2016

I really enjoyed getting to know Jim while he stayed with us at Atrium Care Center he brightened my day every day I was at work God bless

Jalayne and Pete Weinfurtner Marshfield – Posted On: March 9, 2016

Heidi and family, so sorry to hear about Jim. Always loved to visit with him whether at the games or at the lake. What a character. He will be missed by the "Loyal schools" family. All your good times and memories will help you through this rough time. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dillon & Brittnie Cook Loyal WI – Posted On: March 9, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Bruce and Sharlene Prust & family Chili, WI – Posted On: March 9, 2016

So sorry for your loss, he was a great teacher and wonderful man

Linda Degenhardt Loyal WI – Posted On: March 9, 2016

Heidi and family. You have my deepest sympathies. Please take comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you and praying for you at this really hard time.

Jammie krasselt – Posted On: March 9, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Mr. McBride was one of the few teachers I had that I'll always be greatful for. He helped me believe in my ability to learn and explained it till I got it all the while never making me feel stupid. Its been many years since I had him as a teacher but I will never forget him!

Chris Edwards Eau Claire, wi – Posted On: March 8, 2016

Sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He will be missed at the school. I remember back in 1983 football season I didn't have a decent pair of cleats so he let me borrow a pair of his for the season. That meant a lot to me even to this day. And yes, he was good at extreme sarcasm but I did enjoy his sense of humor. My prayers go out to his family.

Garett Kuhn Nekoosa,Wisconsin – Posted On: March 8, 2016

I'm so very very sorry for your families loss.Words cannot describe my shock. Jim was a great man and had the honor of first meeting him when he was in college and we use to shoot pool and hang out together. Later we would meet and play cards together. His wit will never be outmatched. Such a great man......Will miss him very much

Reesa Evans Friendship, WI – Posted On: March 8, 2016

So sorry and surprised to hear of Jimmy's death. I haven't seen him recently, but got news off and on from Challoner. I hope you all take comfort from one another which I know is a horrible, difficult time. Take care of each other and be gentle with yourselves.