James Harry Koller

James Koller of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 31, at the age of 82. He was born on January 6, 1944, in Palatine, Illinois, where he grew up with his sister Karen, his brother Fred, and his parents, Harriet and Frederick.

Jim devoted much of his life to education and athletics, teaching at Fremd High School and Palatine High School. He served as Palatine High School’s baseball coach from 1977 to 2002, becoming the longest tenured head coach in school history and earning more than 400 career victories. In 2002, he was honored with the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award.

He is survived by his wife, Pam; his son, James; and his daughter, Lori.

More than anything, Jim was a husband and father first. He was steady, selfless, dependable, and deeply loving. To his wife and children, he was more than a role model. He was their hero. He filled their lives with memories that will remain with them forever, from throwing batting practice and playing basketball to golfing, family game nights, and holidays filled with laughter, competition, and tradition. He created a home where his family always felt loved, secure, and together. He made ordinary days special simply by being part of them, and the holidays unforgettable because of the traditions and joy he brought to them. His family will remember him not only for everything he accomplished, but for the way he lived his life and loved them every day, with quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and a presence they could always count on.