James Donald Tarter “Coach Tarter”

January 6, 1953 - January 12, 2024

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Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Friday 1/19, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Saturday 1/20, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Celebration of Life

James Donald Tarter, a beloved husband, father, educator, coach, and friend, passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 71. James was born on January 6, 1953, in Lubbock, TX as the only child of the late A. T. and Bernice (Setliff) Tarter. He happily grew up on a farm outside of New Deal, Texas with his parents and grandparents. James graduated from New Deal High School in 1971, then he received his B.S.Ed. from Lubbock Christian College (now LCU) in 1975. Later, he received his M.Ed. from Texas Tech University in 1996.

James dedicated himself to education and spent 30 years as a coach, teacher, and vice-principal, shaping the minds and hearts of his students. He began his coaching career in Kress, TX before coming to Shallowater, TX in 1980, where he spent the majority of his career. James treasured his time spent at Shallowater working with the other coaches, educators, and students both on and off the field. Although he coached other sports, his true passion was football, where he was the defensive coordinator. In later years, he coached in both Post, TX and at Lubbock Estacado. He retired from education in 2006, but his hardworking spirit, stubbornness, and wife wouldn’t let him fully retire. He got back to his childhood roots of agriculture by becoming a Crop Insurance Adjuster, which he continued until the time of his death.

On June 4, 1983, James and Kathy (Harding) got married at the church where they first met in the spring of 1982. 5 years later, in the heart of football season, they welcomed Shelly Kathleen, whose arrival, according to James, helped the Mustangs win their football game the next day in overtime. Then, 2 years later, they welcomed Julie Kathryn in the middle of basketball season, which he jokingly said got him out of working the Shallowater Shootout that weekend.

A man of God with integrity and compassion, James nurtured meaningful connections with everyone he met and was dearly treasured by his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, and his two devoted daughters, Shelly and Julie. His presence will also be deeply missed by his extended family and friends who were privileged to know him and call him Coach.

To summarize his years with Kathy, Shelly, Julie, the rest of his extended family, colleagues, the coaches, his students, and his players, James would reference one of his favorite songs, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”.

Coach Tarter’s family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to the Children’s Home of Lubbock at https://childshome.org or a charity of your choice, to continue his legacy of making a positive impact within the community.

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Map

Friday 1/19, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Map

Saturday 1/20, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Celebration of Life

Service Tribute

See Condolences

We were at Sunset on Sunday & saw about you loss recently in the bulletin. James was a good man. May you be comforted at this time. ❤️🙏 Tony & Carole

So sorry to hear about James' passing. He was a great co-worker and truly a man of God who lived his life accordingly. He will be missed and his family is in our thoughts and prayers.

The service celebrating Coach Tarter’s life couldn’t have been more perfect. Being a former player and neighbor of his in Shallowater his legacy has left an indelible mark on my life. I have shared Coach Tarter stories with my own kids for years now and being a coach myself I hope to “live up” to the same type of commitment and love he gave to his players. A few memories follow that I remember about Coach. 1. He had me water his flowers in his backyard and I didn’t turn the water off good and flooded his backyard. I truly thought I would have to do piston drills indefinitely or at least until I puked! 2. Walking literarily next door and coach showing me on paper blocking schemes and giving encouragement. I wish I still had those papers he wrote on. 3. When I first moved to Shallowater I was put in with the running backs and coach quickly made me a hog! I was not big but the man taught me how to be a center and I was 2nd team all district my junior year, 1st team all district and all south plains my senior year. I OWE all that to coach bc I was not big but he taught, coached, screamed, spit Copenhagen and squeezed every bit he could put of me. 3. I didn’t know but always suspected he didn’t like basketball much. He coached me in that sport too but it seemed his heart was never fully into it. I know now why! :) 4. He would make me get in front of his health class and get into a 3 point stance. Everything and I mean everything would be about football! 😂 5. He used to play racketball with my dad. I pray that Coach’s family finds continued peace, comfort and love that is found in Christ. With much prayer and love, Casey

Kathy, Shelly, and Julie - We were so very sad to hear of the passing of James. We treasured knowing him during our time in Shallowater. Coach Tarter was an amazing man!! The blessing of having him as your husband and father will never fade and we know that you all have so many treasured memories. We are praying these memories give you comfort in the days, months, and years to come. We know how much you will miss him! With love, Don and Andrea Bewley

Our Condolences to the Tarter Family. Stay strong.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Tarter "Coach Tarter" . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Tarter "Coach Tarter" . Plant a Tree

James was one of our supporting friends when we first landed in Lubbock. His and Kathy’s kindness was a beacon of light during our early days in a new place. Their friendship was a gift, and knowing James, with his warm heart and wise words, was a true pleasure and honor. We will cherish the memories and the impact he had on our lives. He will be deeply missed.

WE SHARED A GREAT TIME IN OUR LIFE WHEN WE SAW THE NEW YORK YANKEES PLAY KANSAS CITY BACK IN 63, NOT MANY CAN SAY THEY SAW M MANTLE AND R MARRIS PLAY BASEBALL. LOST OUR FATHERS AT A YOUNG AGE BUT THEY FLEW US TO THAT GAME. THEY TOO WERE GOOD FRIENDS LIKE US, GREAT PILOTS TOO. HOW DO YOU REMEMBER SO MUCH ABOUT SPORTS.........YOU COULD REMEMBER DATES, SCORES, AND WHO SCORED THE WINNING TD. YOU ARE AMAZING COACH AND FRIEND, WILL FOREVER MISS YOU AND YOUR BI-WEEKLY FUNNY TEXTS. PLAN ON LAUGHING WITH YOU AGAIN......G

Kathy, Shelley andJulie, I am so sorry about James’ death. I know he left a wonderful legacy for your sweet family as well as all those students he touched through the years. May you be blessed with comfort and peace in the coming days. I will be praying for you!

My condolences to the whole family I've never met Mr. Tarter, but I met Ms. julie in Shanghai. Her spirit, friendliness and responsibility have always influenced me. After reading the above article, I know from whom julie's spirit is influenced. Mr. Tarter is a very responsible and serious person. And a very successful father and husband. Rest in peace.

Father love mountain, father love eternal. Although I have never met Mr.Tarter, I believe you are a very wonderful father, because you have a very excellent daughter Julie. In Shanghai, China, it is a great honor for my son Lucas to meet Julie, who is responsible and serious in teaching when he was in primary school, and we all love her forever.

I was lucky to have met Mr.Tarter once in his house. What a lovely family! I met Mr.Tarter’s daughter Julie in Shanghai China. And I’ve always known that Julie is a very well-educated and raised person. She is a wonderful uteacher in China. After I met him. I knew why. Mr.Tarter will be missed. What I’ve learned from Tarter family will be passed on to my family and students. ❤️

May you grow strong from the roots of your memories.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Tarter "Coach Tarter" . Plant a Tree

My condolences to the whole family, I never met Mr. Tarter but I met Julie in Shanghai. Reading the messages above makes me realize from where Julie gets her spirit, character, and ability to charge across a basketball court and football field. If children are your legacy, Mr. Tarter's is a fine one.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of James Tarter "Coach Tarter" by Anonymous. Send Flowers

I'll never forget Coach Tarter. Such a good influence on so many young men, including myself. He often 'motivated ' us to do one more rep, or one more push up by telling us "Even my 8-year-old daughter could lift that" or "run faster than that" etc. He leaves a big hole in this world. He will be missed.

Kathy and girls, we are just so sad. Coach Tarter was our favorite and he was great with the kids he coached. Our son, Joe Bob, had the privilege of being one of those kids. Our memories will last forever in those days. Praying that you can find the peace and comfort to help you during this time. Jane and Bobby

Coach Tarter was a great teacher and an even better person. He had tough love for his students. Firm when they needed direction followed by compassion to make sure they were okay. I am grateful for the impact he had on my life and send much love to those who mourn his absence. He left quite a legacy.

Love you Coach! You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and taught me how to be tough in a big man’s game! I wish we could still hang out and talk football again but I know we will again someday. Prayers for Mrs. Tarter and the kids. You were loved by so many that I’m sure you’d be surprised just how many!

I am truly devastated. Coach Tarter was the second most influential coach, behind my father. Coach Tarter insisted on giving me the news that I was voted All South Plains my Senior year. Thank you, coach. Rest in peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I was at Kress and Coach Tarters first coaching job out of college. We weren't very good, loosing every game, the next year we went 0-0-1. We celebrated that tie. One thing he taught us was to have each other's backs and to play as a team. We went on to be 8-2 out Sr. year losing only to 2 district champions, Vega and Petersburg. His teaching had us all playing as a team and having each other's backs. Good memories and can still see his smile. God bless his family.

I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Tarter was my Coach and Health teacher at Kress. He was always positive, witty and up beat. I enjoyed having him as my mentor. May God's Peace and Coach's fond memories fill your heart!

I nicknamed James 'Tater Salad' the first day I met him. He didn't like it too much, but it led to a real friendship. I already miss him!! Condolences to Kathy, Shelley, & Jules!!!

James was a coworker and friend for many years. Prayers and hugs to the family.

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Tarter's passing. I have worked with him for many years and was so appreciative of his help and support when I first came to ARMtech. So many great memories and I have sure missed hearing his stories since he has worked from home. I pray God's peace that passes understanding over you all. Terri

James has been my friend since 1st grade. Had lots of great times together going to football games. He loved his God, his family, his friends and his country. May God grant you that peace that passes all understanding.

With deepest sympathy,

Love Eternal was purchased for the family of James Tarter "Coach Tarter" by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of James Tarter "Coach Tarter"

So sorry to hear about Coach. He was a great guy that cared. I will be forever grateful for the investment he made in my life and the way he challenged me to be the best I could be. He was one of a kind. Praying for you all. RIP Coach Tarter

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss! Prayers for peace and comfort at this difficult time!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.