Coach Gales was a sweet man of God.  I truly enjoyed working with him and I miss him greatly.  Blessings to his family.

My prayers go out to the Gales Family in the loss of Coach/Bro Gales. I grew up at Carver Heights and Antioch and worked with Coach Gales son Jimmy. I'll miss Bro Gales singing with the Male Chorus.

To the Joannette and Gales Family.
We were tremendously saddened by your loss.
I am a UNT Alum and remember with great pride the presence Coach Gales made at UNT.
Such an honor to be there during that time.  The generational circle was completed when I found out Coach Gales also coached my Uncle in middle & HS. .  He said he received “A”s in his Drafting classes.   My wonderful friend and her family and I share some history together....... this is a heavy one.  Rest In Peace Coach Gales, job
well done.


Condolences, and prayers to the Gales family. Deacon Gales will be missed. I pray that God will give you the strength, and provide comfort during this difficult time.

Linda Collins- Graham
Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church 🙏🏾

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Games family. I will always remember how nice, kind and caring Mr. Gales was while working with him at James Madison High School. 

My prayers are with you may God take care of you.

My sincere condolences for the entire Gales family. I pray that God comforts and strengthens you all now and always. Offered with Love. Be blessed.

Dear Johnnie,
I am sorry to see the obituary for your beloved Jimmy. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your life has changed and will never be the same as it has  been for the last 57 years. He will always be in your heart and mind.
Thinking of you,
Diana White (colleague at Denton High School)

My sincere condolences to the family of Jimmy Gales.  He will truly be missed at Antioch Church. 

My sincere condolences to the Gales family.  It was a pleasure to be coached by him because he was fair, honest a disciplinarian and knew how to get the best out of you. All his attributes prepared you for life,  not just basketball. God Bless you COACH.  Javan Dupree. 

My sincere condolences to the family. Coach was my favorite teacher at Spence. 

What a Man, what a legacy. Coach Gales  will always be remembered for mentoring  so many students at Alex Spence Jr. High School. He was the caring Coach that would show up in the "PROJECTS ", if you were shooting hookie and made you go to school while he followed you in his car.😂
I pray that GOD will surround you with comfort and peace in knowing Coach Gales made an impact on this side.


Coach Gales will be truly missed.He was always so kind.He saw me grow up @ our church which is Antioch.Praying for Mrs. Gales and the entire family. ❤️

From Aldersgate to The Villa, the lives of our families have been connected. Edward, Anita and I join with you in the loss of your father, and are praying for you during this season and the days ro come. 

Great Coach and Role Model Love ya Forever Coach Gales 
                       Donnell Hayden (The Shooter)
                                    1990-1991

Coach Gales was a great man, a loving kind man respected by many.

My condolences and prayers go  out to the family of James Gales.  James will be truly missed in the male chorus of Antioch.  He was also a member of the Breakfast group with my husband, Joe Baker. Family, please cherish the memories you have of Coach Gales and know that God will give you peace and comfort.  Much love.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing Jimmy with our coaching community! He made the difference in so many young men lives through helping create the first summer basketball league . It was my honor coaching with and against Jimmy. He was loved and respected by all the basketball community. Family and church were always first in his life.
Sincerely,
Ron Powell

Sadden to hear of the passing of Coach Gales my dear friend’s father 
His Grace and mercy.
The Owens Family/ Beauplan 

To the family I'm so sorry to hear the pasting of coach Gales. I was close friend to his daughter Joannette Gales. Jo I'm so sorry to hear about your dad girl. I miss you and I love sis. Love your family Rena.

My Sincere condolences on the passing of neighbor, friend, from Riverside, Fort worth. James left a
Legacy for all of us. May God bless his wife, and all Gales family. 
William Harris 

I would like to give my condolences to the Gale's family. I'm a alma of SOC class of 73'coach was a great coach an even a  better man he wore his Christianity as one proud man.To the family I know  it's hard right now but each day it gets a little better. My God Bless each and everyone of you. I will keep your family in my prayers. 🙏🙏🙏

 Sincere condolences on the passing of my Friend Coach Jim.

He was a great Basketball Coach at South Oak Cliff and also UNT.
I was proud to know him and see his great skills with young athletes.

May God Bless Jim and the Family.


Coach Gales was a solid member of this community. Most remember him from basketball but I also knew him from his service at Antioch with Karry Wesley. I would have him on my radio show but we would talk about life not always about sports . He will be missed by definitely left a legacy . Thanks Jimmy Gales for all you did while you could!!

Man I dont know where to start.I met Mr.Gales back in 1999 and he showed us stuff love.If he stayed on your butt then he liked you.He use to give me paddles everyday whn I wanted a pass for being late lol.He kept that paddle tucked in the back of his pants at all times.You will be truly missed but never forgotten. Much love your buddy Twin
RIH Mr.Jimmy Gales👑👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾❤❤❤💯💯🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

‘Such a good guy’ Thank you Gale Family for sharing coach Gale 💕 he has been such amazing role model for my brothers  Anthony and Charles McMillian for ever! May the Lord continue to strengthen and guide your family ,you will be in our prayers.🙏🏾

T.Horn

May God bless you and keep your family  in His care.


I would like to thank the family for sharing him with us for all these years.  He has touched the hearts of and inspired many!  He lived a life one could be proud of...and it was an honor having him as a role model coming up... forever in our hearts coach!!!  We love you.



With heartfelt sympathy to the Gales family. A friend from "Riverside" Fort Worth. We both played  high school basketball under Bob Hughes at I.M. Terrell of Fort Worth. 

Praying for the family of Mr. Gales. He made the transition to the Great James Madison easy for me. He will ne missed. R.I.P.  Mr. Gales..

Praying for the family of Coach Gales. Mr Gales was loved by many during his time at The “Great” James High School. 


  Fear not, for I am with you; 
  Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
                                          Isaiah 41:10
Praying that the memories that the Family shared bring you comfort during this period of bereavement and throughout eternity.
 Thanks for the memories you guys shared with us; we will always treasure them.
                                        God Bless the Gales Family.          
                                                RIP Coach Gales                   

You and your family are in my prayers 
May God Bless and keep you doing this 
time.
Love
Your friend and sister in Christ 
Mary Sledge Ellison 

My deepest condolences to the Gales family at this time. I didn't know Coach Jimmy, but I played for his brother Coach John Gales. Coaches back then were more like dad's to us. Taking us home when parents couldn't pick us up for what ever reason. They made sure we got good grades. Kept us in line on and off the court. After I graduated school I took my son to meet him, and years later my grandson. To meet a man who was like a dad, and had impacted my life with their life lessons they instilled in us. Travel well Coach&Bro of my Coach.

My heart and prayers are for the family of Coach James Gales. May God give you the strength you need during this period of your life. Coach Gales was loved by many. As a coach friend and just as a person
 He was a father to many students he taught. They looked up to him for advice and example  of the life he lived.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Coach James Gales in the loss of your loved one.   I pray God's blessings upon you and that the wonderful memories bring you comfort.

My deepest condolences to the Gales family.  Jimmy was a great guy and a great coach and our friendship began when he whipped my butt in the semifinals of the UIL State basketball tournament when I was coaching at San Antonio Jefferson.
He was always a great guy and a great friend through the years.May he rest in peace.

Bob Snake LeGrand

My deepest condolences to the Gales family. As we go through the journey of what we call life,their people we meet along the way, that influence you in so many ways, even though you don't realize at the time as a student. 
Coach Gales was one of them.
Thank you coach.
Mayor  Mario Vasquez

Thank you for sharing Coach Gales & Jimmy’s dad with us. Coach Gales was  such a wonderful and personable guy. Easy to talk to and always welcoming of students anytime from Oak Cliff to UNT.  Prayers and strength for your family during this loss. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😢

My condolences to the family. May God's blessing be with you.

Coach Jimmy Gales was a great man and it was an honor to have him as a friend. He was also a very very  good basketball coach and he influenced so many people both on and off the court.
It was a great privilege to work with him at the University of North athletic department and be a part of the group that traveled with Coach Gales to the school's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance vs Dean Smith and the North Carolina Tar Heels. 
A memory so many of us will never forget and it was made possible because of his great leadership.
Thank you sir for everything both on and  off the court. 
You will be greatly missed

Coach Jimmy Gales was a great person and I was honored to call him a friend.
He touched and influenced so many people.
I was fortunate to share some great times with Coach Gales at the University of North Texas including the school's first ever NCAA tournament appearance 
Jimmy Gales was just a Great basketball coach as well.
You will be missed sir but thank you for so many great memories 


To the Gales Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. 

From Laura Carroll and Patrick Carroll 

There are times along life’s journey that can test the spirit deeply:
Though this is certainly one of those times   may you never stop believing that your faith your inner strength, and the power of God’s love will carry you though
In Deepest Sympathy 
Love and Prayers 
Florence Jackson 🙏🏾❤️

To the Gales Family 
May God give you peace and strength during this time of bereavement. Thanking God for the times I had a chance to visit with him.
Love Cathy

Sending  hugs, prayers and condolences to you and your family. 


The Loud Family 

Mrs. Johnnie  Gales and family, so sorry for your loss.  You have my deepest condolences.  Deacon Gales will surely be missed from the Male Chorus and Deacons Ministry. I'm praying for your strength and your faith in God to carry you through this season and the days to come.  
May God continue to bless you and keep you, I pray in Jesus name , Amen!

Coach Jimmy Gales is the brother of my HS Coach John Gales and my fellow Deacon at the Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. He sang in the male Chrous and a quick wit he is. He will be surely missed RIH my brother in Christ.

Coach Gales was a great family man, coach and mentor to many. My childhood is littered with memories of him coaching my late brother, Larry Joe, at Dallas South Oak Cliff, and spending time with him and his family in the 70s at BBQs at our home, and of course at games across the metroplex and the state.  Rest in paradise, Coach! And big hugs to his wife Johnnie, and daughter Joanette. ❤️

Odell and Roberta Brown

Condolences to our SisterJohnnie and the entire Gales Family on the loss of my fellow Deacon James Gales.  He was a kind and gentle giant with a lot of wit.  I remember working with him on the Count Team at Antioch for many years.  He will be missed.

Johnnie and Roberta are Delta Sorors so the bond and love is deep in that space.

We pray to God for your strength in these times.

We love you.



My prayers go to the Family and loved ones. Coach Gales is a legend and will always be remembered as a kind gentle caring man. I played football at North Texas while he was the basketball coach and he looked out for me like I was one of his. Love the Gales FamiIy and my heart goes  out to my Fraternity Brother John.  Praying for you. 

You have our heartfelt condolences and praying God’s comfort for the family. 

Jerry & Cassandra Mitchell 

My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.

I have known and been friends with Jimmy for over 50 years. He and I always shared coaching ideas and stories. One of the most pleasant human beings that I ever met. He will be missed. My wife Carolyn and I are praying for the family.
Rob Evans 

Our Heartfelt Sympathy to Sis. Johnnie Gales and Family as we extend loving thoughts and prayers during this time.  Praying God's comfort and peace to each of  you.

Philippians 4:7 NKJ:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard  your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Deepest Sympathy,
Bobby & Patricia Randolph

My sincere prayers, sympathy & condolences I send to the Gales' Family. I could tell that he was a very kind & nice man b/c it was written all over his face. There seemed to be a kool-aid smile embedded in that happy face of his. He was & still is 💛loved💛 by all. He truly will be missed! I'm so grateful that the Class of 1975 were able to be in attendance to witness a so deserving Honorable SOC Alumni Award that he so richly deserved on February 18, 2020. Our God is Able and He will see this family through it all. God's ✝Blessings✝ to The Gales' Family. Amen to our Heavenly Father.

DIGNITY, RESPECT,  A HUMBLE SMILE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT, IS WHAT COACH GALES GAVE TO EVERYONE WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM!!  HE GAVE YOU THE HIGHEST FEEL OF MOTAVATION,  WIN OR LOSE,  WITH  A BASKETBALL 'S  🏀  LOVE OF THE GAME!!  
HE WILL BE REMEMBER, AND I'M HAPPY THAT I CROSSED HIS LIFELINE!!

JERYL SASSER SR.!       N.T.S.U. 71'-73'!                                  ΩΨΦ !!    ΦΓ CΗΑΡΤΕR

To Mrs. Gales and family, 
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one.  I pray the love of God enfolds you during this difficult time.  

My family and I met the James Gales’ Family in 1964 when we lived in Dallas.  We were neighbors and became close friends.  We raised our families together and our children were each other’s friends and family.  We met all the Gales from Fort Worth and we’ve remained a family for over 50 years.

We dearly love the Gales families and our condolences go out to all.
The Matthew and Jean Blake Family 

Coach Gales thank you for the excitement you and the UNT (formerly NTSU) basketball ball team provided when you were assistant coach. We had so much fun at the Super Pit. RIH Sir. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gales family. I am truly blessed to have been a part of coach Gales legacy. There is no short way for me to convey the tremendous impact that he had on my life. I will always cherish the memories. He will be truly missed by everyone that knew him.

Charles McMillian (Mac)

Peace and blessings to the family. Love and prayers. 

My prayers are with you and your family 🙏🏽May God bless you with strength and encouragement during this time.  Remember the spirit of those we Love, lives on within us and one day, we’ll all be together. 

Much love and peace 🙏🏽🩸
Jerone Roy

I extend my deepest sympathies to your family.  Mr. Gales was a great inspiration for me.  He was always kind and straight forward.  When I was his secretary at James Madison High School, it took  me some time to understand when he was serious and when he was not.  He always looked at things with humor I will never forget the memories are how kind he was to me.  He is an absolutely great man.  My deepest condolences.

Malanne Allen (Mrs. Kennedy) 

I still have fond memories of the time we worked together at Samuel Grand swimming pool in 70 &71. That was the first time we met. What a genuinely nice guy.

My condolences to the Gales family. 

Prayers for you and the family Johnnie.  I have joyful memories of you and   James being the loving model couple. James sending you flowers at Browne MS for your birthday  and of course you fussing in love when James had too many wings and  Girl Scout shortbread and thin mint cookies.
Thank you for sharing your life as a  loving , Christian  couple with me and Jazmin. 

Peace and Joy in the Lord,
Sheryl,  Jazmin and India 

Mrs. Gales,
Johnnie I have been thinking often lately, wishing I had his phone number.  I enjoyed his strength , humor,  and his ability to motivate young men to be great.
I talked to Glen Arnold a few minutes ago and he told me of his passing.
I know Jesus's choir just got better!
Sure enjoyed working with you at the UNT girls camp and at DHS. 
God Bless You,
Bruce Grider

OBITUARY

Coach James "Jimmy" C. Gales

July 15, 1941 – June 4, 2020

Laurel Land Funeral Home & Laurel Land Memorial Park

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