Former Lynbrook coach dies

Former Lynbrook High School teacher and coach James (Jim) Imholz, 82, died on June 3. He lived in Jupiter Bay, Florida.

Imholz was born in Flushing, Queens. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, an Associates Degree at City College of New York in New York City, NY and a Masters Degree at St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens

He was a sub-carrier for the U. S. post office from 1943 to 1951, and was a Korean War veteran who served in Bordeaux, France from 1952 to 1954 and an American Legion Life Member at Jupiter Post 271.

He pitched for the Queens Alliance baseball League from 1945 to 1952; for Seton Hall University from 1949 to 1952, and the Harrisburg Senators of the Interstate Baseball League in 1952.

Imholz married Joanne Marion Lock (who now lives in Virginia) and was a New York City police officer 1955 to1960 and a New York State Parkway police officer, seasonal from 1960 to 1975. He taught Driver’s Education at Lynbrook High School, (“Professor Emeritus”) from 1961 to 1987, and coached baseball and ice hockey.

“[He was a] dedicated, knowledgeable, compassionate and [had] a great sense of humor,” said his friend, retired Lynbrook High School teacher and coach Don Roth. “That was how the students at Lynbrook High School would described him. He left plenty of memories and laughs that will stay with me forever.”

Roth said that not many knew that Imholz played in a summer semi-pro baseball league and went head to head against Whitey Ford,then a futureNew York Yankee-Hall of Famer, and out-dueled Ford by pitching his team to a shut-out victory. “Jim was a true friend and will be missed by all, especially those who had the privilege of having him as their teacher or coach. You’ll never be forgotten, my friend.”

Imholz is survived by his children, Mary-Jo (Gary) Lee of Richmond, VA, Jeanne Dorner of Flemington, NJ, Janette (Drew) Barnes of Livingston, MT, James C. of Suwanee, GA, Joan (Steve) Apt of Chaska, MN and John of Sharon, CT; and grandchildren, Christin, Melanie, Thomas, Jake, John and Jessica. He was interred at South Florida VA National Cemetery.