James Melbourne Tait Jr.

TAIT, James Melbourne Jr., 75, beloved husband, father, brother and coach, departed this life on Friday, May 20, 2011. Jim was born on November 6, 1935 in New Rochelle, N.Y., and graduated from Flushing High School. He played football for, and graduated from Mississippi State. It was there, in 1957, that he began a 41 year coaching career that would lead him to the University of Richmond (1966-1980 and 1989-1998), Virginia Tech (1980-1987), Benedictine High School (1987-1988), and St. Christopher's (1988-1989). In 1975, he was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year. He was predeceased by his parents, Marie Campanelli and James Melbourne Tait Sr. He is survived by his wife, Karen Smith; six children, Marie Michelle Williams (Rodney), James III, Teresa York (Lance), Mark, Michael (Ann), and Aimee; a stepson, Dib Oglesby Jr.; grandchildren, Rachel, Brooks, Beck, James IV, Carter, Tait, Tyler, Sophia and Evan; and great-grandchild, Brooks Jr. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Krause of Venice, Fla., and Patricia Tait of New York, N.Y. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 23, at the Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd., from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance at 7 p.m. A Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Drive, on Tuesday, May 24, at 2 p.m. A private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , 4600 Cox Rd., Suite 130, Glen Allen, Va. 23060..