J. Harold Cagle

Born on April 24, 1943, in Henderson County, Tennessee, he was the youngest of ten boys in the Cagle family, raised by Lon and Mary Ann Cagle. A proud graduate of Lambuth College, J. Harold excelled in both basketball and baseball, which fueled his lifelong passion for sports and coaching.

His coaching career began in rural West Tennessee and later flourished at Bolton High School, where he established a successful basketball program. In 1973, he became the head coach at Germantown High School, dedicating over 31 years to mentoring students and building a disciplined athletic program. He coached several GHS teams that played in the highest TN classification level in winning district, regional, sub-state games with several teams advancing on to the TN State Tournament. His commitment to excellence earned him accolades, including Coach of the Year for his golf teams. He also officiated high school baseball and football, with a highlight being his selection to officiate a State Championship Football Game.

After retiring from Germantown, Coach Cagle continued his coaching journey at First Assembly Christian School (FACS) where he led his team to a State Tournament appearance. Across his career, he accumulated 463 wins, numerous championships, and a profound influence on the lives of his students.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jennie L. Cagle; sons Jeffrey H. Cagle (wife Wendy C. Cagle), Phillip O. Cagle (wife Laura A. Cagle), and Todd L. Cagle; stepdaughter Elizabeth (Beth) R. Vanderford; and grandchildren Taylor R. Toldi, Patrick Cagle, Jack Cagle, Margaret Cagle, and Madeline Cagle; and one great-grandchild Teagan Toldi.

He was preceded in death by his stepsons Steven D. Vanderford and Gary D. Vanderford, and by his eight brothers: Ollie Cagle, Alton Cagle, Deroy Cagle, Homer Cagle, L.V. Cagle, Lois Fay Cagle, Ray Cagle, and Billy Joe Cagle. He is survived by one brother, James E. Cagle (wife Jimmie Cagle).

A celebration of life will be held at Collierville Funeral Home (3863 Bailey Station Rd., Collierville, TN 38017) on Thursday, October 30 at 11 am, with visitation on Wednesday, October 29 from 5 pm to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Coach J. Harold Cagle, honoring his lifelong dedication to children and his 25 years of volunteer service with the St. Jude Classic. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Memorials/Memorials?pg=entry&fr_id=154020

Coach Cagle’s legacy will continue through the many lives he shaped with his faith, humor, and dedication—both on and off the court.