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Jim Bair, shown in this 1988 photo, began coaching wrestling at Pomeroy High School in south-central Washington in 1967 without ever having seen a match. Daily News file photo

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Longtime CR wrestling coach Jim Bair dies

Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:23 AM PDT

By Rick McCorkle
rmccorkle@tdn.com

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Jim Bair could be described as a teacher, psychologist and master motivator with a knack for bringing out the best in everyone he touched.

Whether it was the wrestlers and coaches he taught, or gathering volunteer help to run a tournament or special event, Bair was gifted in the ability to convince others to do the right thing.

"Those of us who wrestled under him and believed in him would do anything for him," Castle Rock High wrestling coach Joe Godinho said. "We'd run through walls for him if he said we could do it."

James Richard Bair, who coached wrestling for nearly four decades, died March 21 at age 64 at Vancouver's Southwest Washington Medical Center.

"There were very few wrestling programs in Southwest Washington that hadn't been touched by Jim in some way," said Godinho, who wrestled for Bair at CR and won two state titles. "He helped many programs get tournaments started, along with giving advice to young coaches. I've been coaching for 20 years and he mentored me for quite a while."

Bair was born on May 25, 1943 in Superior, Mont., the youngest of eight children. After graduating from Wallace High School and the University of Idaho, he embarked on a teaching and coaching career in 1967 at Pomeroy High in south-central Washington.

When he became Pomeroy's first-ever wrestling coach, he'd never seen a match, much less coached one.

"We didn't have wrestling when I went to high school," Bair said in 2004. "The athletic director at Pomeroy had a book. We studied that, and I started going to clinics and watching practices and matches at other schools to learn the fundamentals."

He later moved to Republic, Wash., where he also started a prep wrestling program. In 1973, he moved to Castle Rock, where he coached wrestling at the high school until 1988. He later took over the wrestling program at Castle Rock Middle School to develop grapplers for the high school team.

Bair coached at CRMS until 2001, and retired from teaching history at Castle Rock High in 2005.

"As a teacher, there were kids who didn't like him, but there weren't many who could say they didn't learn from him," Godinho said. "When you were in his class, you didn't miss it because held them to a higher standard. The makeup tests were tougher than the regular tests, and there were no bending of the rules regardless of who you were."

Godinho characterized Bair as a instructor who would do everything in his power to get students through the class.

"He held high standards as an instructor, and a lot of students didn't like him because they thought he was too hard and didn't perceive him as fair," he said. "He would have tests if 2-3 students didn't show up, and you didn't play the game of not showing up. He never failed anyone who tried and gave everything they had, but it was a different story for those who gave up."

The Rocket dynasty

Bair established a dynasty that few could match in his 15 years of coaching wrestling at Castle Rock. The Rockets won 13 league titles and two state championships while compiling a 234-37-4 record. They won 12 straight Trico championships, went undefeated in league competition and reeled off a 53-match regular-season winning streak, and won 85 of 89 dual meets.

The Rockets won state titles in 1984 and '85, were second at state in '81 and '82, third in '83, sixth in '86, eighth in '78 and '80 and 10th in '88. From 1973 to '88, Godinho, Mickey Seidl and Kris Morgan won two state championships apiece, and Bobby Kirkpatrick three.

Bair was always quick to credit others, including assistant coach Wayne Heuett, for his success.

"When Wayne came into the program in 1979, it made a huge difference," Bair said in 2004. "We were a real good combination. I could teach fundamentals, conditioning and discipline. Wayne could teach the technique that took kids to the next level."

In 2004, Bair was inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

"I wrestled under Jim's philosophy in high school, and did well coaching the first few years from what I learned from him," Godinho said. "But there were a few things I began to forget about and he would bring them to my attention and emphasize their importance. He was precise on the little things and made sure we didn't make mistakes, which he really emphasized along with mental toughness."

With the gaudy win-loss record and the trophy case full of league, regional and state hardware, Bair felt his greatest accomplishment was helping to establish a scholarship fund for CR wrestlers.

"We've provided more than $25,000 for kids to attend college," Bair said in a 2004 story about his Hall of Fame induction. "We've had great kids that worked real hard in the program. They deserve the help."

When he wasn't involved in wrestling, Bair was donating time to local youth baseball. Through his efforts, Bair built the annual Don Rhoads Memorial Baseball Tournament into one of the largest in-season Babe Ruth events in the Pacific Northwest.

In recent years, the tournament has drawn between 30-40 teams from throughout the region, with games contested a Castle Rock High School, Roy Morse Park, Mark Morris High School and Kelso's Tam O'Shanter Park.

'Where's my gamblers?'

Bair's outgoing personality was also a perfect fit for the Babe Ruth World Series when it was held at Lower Columbia College, as he became a regular seller of 50/50 jackpot tickets during the games.

"Jim came to us and volunteered to do it," local World Series coordinator Kirc Roland said. "He turned the ticket sales into a spectacle. A lot of ballparks have characters like a mascot or vendor who make them unique. Jim was huge for us at the World Series with his interplay with the fans. Whenever you'd hear him yell, "Where's my gamblers?" you knew he was going to sell you some tickets."

When he wasn't involved in wrestling and baseball, Bair enjoyed renovating his 1910 Victorian home and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Natalie, whom he called the "light of his life."

Bair is survived by his wife of 33 years, Judy; three brothers, Alan Stoddard of Campbell, Calif., Jerry Bair of Irrigon, Ore., and Larry Bair of Wenatchee; and two sisters, Verna Mae Are of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Nona Fausett of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

He's also survived by two daughters, Bonnie Bair (Scott) of Portland and Sydney Larsen of Seattle; two sons, Joe Bair (Kami) of Longview and Andy Bair of Firestone, Colo.; a grandson, Darrin; and two granddaughters, Alyssa and Natalie.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vernie Elvira; his father, William; and two brothers, Gene and Bill.

A celebration of Bair's life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Castle Rock High School gymnasium.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Castle Rock Alumni Wrestling Foundation, P.O. Box 1384, Castle Rock, Wash., 98611.

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CR Mom wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:10 AM:

" Both of our boys had Jim as a teacher and they both loved him. He was tough but always fair. His boys went to school with ours and we saw him at all the baseball games. Jim was a kick in the pants and always eager to talk. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. "

sunny wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Mr. Bair was one of a kind!! It is hard to imagine CRHS without his jingling keys... "

Former Student wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:44 AM:

" I had the privilege of having MR. BAIR as my high school history teacher and I can tell you that learning wasn't an option in his class....you listened and learned or you were OUT!!! Bair held each student to the highest standards in class. But he also had his funny side. He would be in the middle of a lecture and break into some random story about this or that and have all of us in tears from laughing and two seconds later demand we were quiet and back to work on the task at hand. This is a sad time for Castle Rock. If you were ever around this man then you were a better person for it and I can honestly say that I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. "

TJ wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Thank you for this wonderful story on Mr. Bair. As can be seen by the comments in his obituary Guest Book, he was an unique and extraordinary person, coach, and teacher. His rough exterior and tough persona hid the internal "softy" that he truly was at heart. He went to bat for those that he believed in and pushed us all to try harder. As somebody had stated-- you knew he liked you when he picked on you the most. His funny antics, tricks, stories, jokes, nick names for everyone, and "dog walks" will forever be in our hearts and minds. Castle Rock will never be the same. "

CR Parent wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:57 AM:

" Great story about a wonderful man who devoted his life to teaching, wrestling and volunteering. He will always be remembered in Castle Rock. Thank you to the family of Jim Bair for sharing him with the students and community. "

RC wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:34 AM:

" Mr. Bair will be missed but his devotion, mentoring, and coaching of students and athletes will be remembered by all he had contacted. As a former student and athlete, I remember Mr. Bair always teasing me about playing the stupid game of basketball and that I should wrestle because it was a real sport. I had a lot of respect for him. He seemed to always have good advice even when it was something I didn't want to hear.He never did talk me into wrestling but I never let on that I actually contemplated his idea of wrestling. I will miss him. My prayers go out to his family "

Katie "WoofinPoof" wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:19 AM:

" He was the best teacher that I had in CRHS. To this day I still remember the things that he taught. He taught in a way that you couldn't forget and your knew you were in his good graces if he gave you a nick name. One of my favorite times in his class was "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition"
He will always be missed, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
"

DB wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Mr. Bair was a wonderful human being, teacher, coach, friend, he will be missed he touched the lives of many students and members of the community with his stories, knowledge and personality. My condolences to his family for their loss. "

Connie Rearick-Hilbmann wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Mr. Bair will always be remembered by his students, as some have commented he was known as the strict and hardball teacher, but I can honestly say out of all my classes I still remember what he taught me the most. He made it stick in your mind. Way to go Mr Bair you might have been a hard man but you made us walk the walk. You will be missed. "

CH wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:07 AM:

" "Chantilly Lace and a pretty face... a pony tail... a hangin' down... a giggle and a talk, a wiggle and a walk... maaakes the world go 'round....

There ain't nothin' in the world like a blue-eyed girl that makes me act so funny makes me spend my money... makes me feel real loose like a long necked goose...

Ohhh baby, that's what I like"

You will be sorely missed Mr. Bair "

Ric Flair wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:48 PM:

" Wooooooooooooooooooo!

Right now he's eating a school lunch roll with 4 pats of butter on it.

Mr. Bair was great. "

former Wrestler '89 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:58 PM:

" Mr. Bair taught me to believe I was capable of more than I though. That giving 100% can take you places you didn't think you were good enough to go. He taught me great lessons in wrestling and in life. I learned a lot from him as a coach and teacher. You will be missed, Jim Bair "

"Elizabeth" wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:31 PM:

" Mr. Bair was truly one of my favorite teachers in high school. Before I had him as a teacher I was rather nervous for his class because I had heard he was ornery and then once I was in his class, he was my favorite teacher and plus I love history, and you knew he did too. I really valued his high standards that he taught us. And I loved his "optionals" that weren't really optional! I will sure miss Mr. Bair. "

Former wrestler wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:32 PM:

" Coach Bair tought me thru my youth wrestling career. It was an honor to have him as a coach. My dad and my uncle were taught by him in high school and they always told me he was the best. He will be missed. Thanks coach, for everything. "

Former CheerHog wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:48 PM:

" I can still hear him saying the dreaded words "Tick Tick Tick...." while we all tried feverishly to finish our pop quiz. "

78 grad wrote on Mar 27, 2008 4:25 PM:

" Jim was a great coach and gifted motivator, as a wrestler at CR there was a certain amount of pride that went along with being a part of that team.
Thanks Jim for letting me be a part of that . "

96 Grad wrote on Mar 27, 2008 4:34 PM:

" He is going to be greatly missed. I can honestly say that I really remember things he taught. Thoughts and prayers to his family at this sad time! "

98 Grad.. wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:29 PM:

" It is unfortunate that the halls of CRHS will never again have wonderful Bair leading his famous snake dance. Nor will the sound of Moscow stories echo thru the building...Rest in Peace "

90 Grad wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:13 PM:

"
Heaven forbid you were ever late to Mr. Bair's class! The teasing you'd get. Locked out, standing in the hallway, you'd hear him sing from inside the classroom: 'I hear you knockin' but you can't come in. I hear you knockin' but you can't come in. I hear you knockin' but you can't come in. Come back tomorrow night and try again. '


One thing's for sure, Jim's not standing outside knocking on heaven's door. St. Peter has let him in!

RIP

"

Wrestling Mom wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:49 PM:

" Sad Sad time for Castle Rock and the great sport of wrestling. It was just 5 weeks ago that he was at the wrestling championships in Tacoma. Next year just won't be the same :( Our sympathy to his family. Thank You Jim Bair. "

Another Cheerhog wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:51 PM:

" What a wonderful, frustrating, funny, exasperating man. The only teacher I still talk about 20 years after leaving high school. The lessons he taught were life lessons, not just class lessons. I will never forget being in full football pads and having to do jumping jacks in front of the entire class for coming in late. He could have nailed me for more than that, but just knowing he could was enough for the lesson. Thank you Mr. Bair. "

85 Grad R.A.T. wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:21 PM:

" You had no choice but to learn with Mr. Bair. He taught us the difference between right and wrong and respect for those that EARN it. He was a individual that actually TAUGHT more than just history, he taught us about life,,, "

1990 Grad wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:30 PM:

" Thank you for the great postings. I will always remember him for his singing to a closed door if a student was late for class. Who would have thought that history could be so entertaining. I am thrilled I can say that I not only had him as a teacher but also a friend. A big hug from my family to Mrs. Bair and her family. "

wall sitter wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Mr. Bair was a one of a kind guy, rather it you see him in the hall way and he'd make fun of you or you'd wait until class and if you fell asleep he'd make you hold up the wall. Or going outside and trying to play kick the stick and watching people fall on their butts. I don't think there is a better history teacher out there. He was always a happy guy and that's one thing that Castle Rock will surely miss. Our prayers are with you Mr. Bair and your family. "

Brandi wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:30 PM:

" This is a man that will always be in my thoughts! He stuck up for me when another person made a rude comment about my being in High School and never graduating! He was the one who told the kid that I would graduate and he knew I would! I loved this man for teaching me through the years, and for believing in me when I thought that no one did! I love you Mr. Bair, you are the BEST..... I will always remember you. "

2001 Grad wrote on Mar 28, 2008 7:07 AM:

" Thank your for printing this story. I had the pleasure of being in his class. He was such a wonderful teacher. Reading these postings bring back so many memories. I remember Mr. Bair always asking for lotion for his elbows and us girls offering him the most fragrant type we had. Mr. Bair had a great sense of humor. He will be very missed. "

Class of 85 wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:33 AM:

" I remember going over the test results in class. He would write on the chalk board how many people got each question wrong. Go over each question one at a time and ask who missed that question. Believe me, you didn't want to be the only one in his class to get a question wrong. In my class there was this kid who missed a true or false question---The right to bear arms means you could wear short sleeved shirts. I never laughed so hard. You paid attention in class because you didn't want to be called out for a wrong answer. He made learning fun. Putting his chair on his desk so he could watch over everyone. Now he has the best seat in the house. RIP Mr. Bair, you will truly be missed. "

"74" Jims first year wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Jim will be greatly missed by everybody he touched. Jim has done alot for c/r. Of all the things he has done, I can only think of one that hasn't been finished. That would be a suitable wrestling room. It would be great if this could happen in Jims honor. "

Jen wrote on Mar 28, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Ahhh...these postings have brought back so many memories of Mr. Bair...the jingling keys, singing "Waltzing Matilda", aruging for points, getting banned from the go-carts at our Senior Party, looking for lotion and making you really, REALLY understand how a bill becomes a law. I didn't realize how fortunate I was to have him as teacher until now. I hope all the angels in heaven enjoy his soulful rendition of "Chantilly Lace!" AWW baby that's a what I LIKE!! RIP Mr. Bair.... "

a slap in the face in "02" wrote on Mar 28, 2008 5:48 PM:

" We all have our Bair stories.. one my fav story is the time I started to fall asleep.. well I knew that if "The Bair" saw that I was sleeping the his class I would have to hold up the wall, and you know that I did not want to hold up the wall. So I thought by slaping myself in the face a few times it would wake me up a bit. Well, Bair saw me doing this so I guess he thought that he would come over and help me.. So he did.. Right then and there in the classroom. All my friends saw ol' Bair wack me on the face a few times.. and I be damned when he was done.. he says "ok Joel now my turn go ahead" so I did. Jim bair was the BEST teacher I have growing up in CR. I will miss him. "

another 78 Grad wrote on Mar 28, 2008 6:39 PM:

" I believe it was Bair that popularized the nick name "The Rock" for the wrestling team. He was passionate, animated, opinionated and made you support your argument with facts rather than fluff~ He was a great man "

Former Student, Grad '05 wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:06 PM:

" He will be sorely missed by all of us. He was a man that touched your life regardless of whether you liked him or not. He just kinda weaseled his way into your heart and you will always remember him. He taught us more than just our school subjects, he taught us about life and how to live the way we wanted to and push through the hard times.

After speaking to Mrs. Coleman, she told me that it's almost a relief to know that his suffering is over. She was speaking of how he was forgetting some things and had to think about it and watching him slip further and further. At regionals, everyone was commenting on how Mr. Bair wasn't looking too well. To see a hard and strong man fall so quickly like that was hard to watch. So be at peace for him.

Judy is heartbroken, but she has plenty of family and friends around her and both of the sons were home for him during his hard time and now Judy has everyone around her for comfort. Kinds words go a long way.

He had many great stories about his own days at our age and now it's our turn to pass on our own stories about Mr. Bair. If you have anything you want to say about our beloved teacher, coach, friend add to this message and pass it on.

Many Piggy Points to you Mr. Bair!!
"

85 Grad R.A.T. wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:08 PM:

" The right to bear arms, I was telling sommeone about that very day in "85" just yesterday,,What a great laugh. I will never forget,,, "

Former Student, Grad '05 wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:21 PM:

" I remember when he used to tell us all sorts of stories about how he and his buddies used to grab several big rocks and use the crawl space under the floor to bang on the floor of their detested teacher during his lecture, just to piss him off, only to laugh and joke about it later.

Mr. Bair, there are so many stories that you've told us. Funny ones and some that changed our lives forever. No matter what happened to you, you will be remember as a man who changed the lives of many, for the better.

We love you Mr. Bair and you will be in our hearts for many years to come when we remember something said or done in your classroom.

My love goes out to the family, Judy and the boys and I hope that they have shoulders to lean on and other to comfort them. I give you my best and my love to them all, family and friends.

Good luck to them all and I wish everyone the fondest memories of this man who changed our lives, even if you met him for just a moment.

- Grad Student of 2005, Sierra Asbury. "

grateful student wrote on Apr 3, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Mr Bair was one the few teachers I have ever had that cared about the students in his class. He would take the time to explain history both in and out of the classroom. I can say without reservation that I am a better person for being in his class. Rest in peace, and have a Coca-Cola for me. "

'96 Graduate wrote on Apr 3, 2008 3:52 PM:

" Judy, Joey & Andy: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I truly enjoyed having Mr. Bair as one of my elite teachers. I will never forget the Preamble...that is for sure. We all remember the funny things, like the keys, the whistling, singing, etc., but we will also remember the important stuff, too, thanks to him. "