James Bernard Koontz Jr.

James Bernard Koontz Jr., age 76, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on March 6, 1950, and spent his life dedicated to his family, students, athletes, and the Greenville community he loved so deeply.

Jim was a proud 1968 graduate of Greenville High School, where he excelled as a standout basketball and tennis player. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, he returned home to Greenville to begin a remarkable 35-year career in education with Greenville City Schools. Throughout his career, Jim was much more than a teacher and coach — he was a mentor, role model, and friend to countless students and athletes.

Jim had a lifelong passion for coaching and giving back to the communities that shaped him. Whether coaching for the Green Wave, Railroaders, Bulldogs, Blackhawks, or Trojans, he poured his heart into helping young people grow both on and off the court. His dedication, encouragement, and love for sports left a lasting impact across Darke County and beyond.

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindi Koontz; his sister; and his children, Mark Koontz, Jim Koontz II, Michelle Brennaman, and Adam Gamble.

He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life: Fritz and Finn Koontz, children of Mark and Gail Koontz; Addison and Lainey Koontz, children of Jim Koontz II; Ava and Brooke Brennaman, children of Michelle and Dennis Brennaman; and Conner, Kaitlyn, and Maddie, children of Adam Gamble.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, competitive spirit, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to the young people and communities he served. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched as a teacher, coach, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Ceremonies will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greenville High School Tennis Program in honor of Jim’s lifelong love of coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Koontz family.