New Haven High School Coach Jim Loughead’s Death Leaves Lasting Impact on His Family and the Community

Three Decades of Mentorship and Coaching!

October 26, 2026

This article was last updated by Nishan on October 26, 2026

The New Haven community is mourning the loss of longtime coach and educator Jim Loughead, who dedicated more than three decades to teaching and mentoring students.

In New Haven High School, Mr. Loughead coached football, basketball, softball, and track, and also served as athletic director.

Now, not only was he involved in sports, but he was also a mentor and teacher, involved in fields like science and math.

During his coaching years, he restarted programs that had been cancelled due to a lack of players, including the girls’ varsity basketball team, girls’ track team, and junior high football.

On the other hand, he served for three decades as an educator, earning recognition including Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1993, Teacher of the Month, and inclusion in Who’s Who Among Teachers.

While his death has brought grief to the New Haven community, his impact and legacy are remembered by many.

New Haven Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Loughead Dies, Leaving Community in Mourning

While the specific date and cause of Jim Loughead’s death are not officially confirmed, the Facebook post from one of his students confirms his death.

He leaves behind his wife Carolyn, his sons Matthew and Mark, and the many lives he touched in his roles as coach, teacher, and mentor.

As a coach and teacher, Jim is remembered by many not only for his dedication but also for his kindness.

He was known for going out of his way to help others, often giving students rides home in his Ford.

Although not many details about his death have been released and an official obituary has not yet been published, what is known is that Jim was a genuinely great person.

This has been confirmed by those who admired him, as expressed in several heartfelt Facebook posts. One of the posts reads:

He gave me rides home from football practice in his Ford van that was the lion’s colors. He was a Good man. Rest in peace

Another one in the comments writes:

He was an authentically real human…. A mentor to so many…. Someone who continually changed the world around him in a positive way… Truly one of the best…

While his death has brought grief to the New Haven community, his legacy will continue through many and will live on in the memory of his admirers.

Rest in Peace, Coach!

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Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

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