James O Potts

James O’Neill Potts, 77, of Cameron, WV passed away Thursday, October 10, at his son’s home in Johnstown, Ohio, after a long, hard-fought battle with dementia. Jim was born in Buckhannon, WV on November 21, 1946. Previously departed loved ones include his father and mother, Sydney James Potts and Berdine Lewis Potts, of Rock Cave, WV. Jim is survived by his son, Eric, and Eric's children, Jacob Burke, Cole Potts, and Katelyn Potts; his daughter, Jaime Meek, her husband Josh, and their daughter Ryan Franklin. Also a brother Gary Lee Potts of Gassaway, WV and sister Dolores Gay Potts Boyles, of Rock Cave, WV, as well as his beloved partner, Betty Potts.

Jim, a proud graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, was a member of the 1963 State Championship football team. He went on to earn a B.A. degree from Glenville State College, where he laid the foundation for his life-long commitment to athletics and coaching. He attained a Master of Science/Athletic Coaching from West Virginia University in 1998.

Papaw Potts was dearly loved by his grandchildren. He supported them and gave them amazing memories and many laughs. He was a positive force in their lives, just as he was with so many others. His hunting and fishing buddies will miss him, for sure.

Coach Potts will be remembered fondly by many students and athletes. He was a fixture in Cameron High School, both in the classroom, the football field, and the wrestling room, and the many other sports he coached. Many of his athletes have attested to him as the coach who set them on the right path, treated them like his own. He gave them work on his farm and paid them money that changed their lives. And he gave them a sense of winning when all odds were against them. 

Among the tributes written by his athletes are memories like these: 

“Coach Potts instilled that mindset into his athletes. And that mindset sticks with you throughout so many other aspects of life.“ 

“He also had the ability to see potential in kids who were otherwise considered the lost causes. I bet everybody could name someone who got a chance at success and were able to rise above and become something greater in life because of him.” 

“Yes, he was my coach. And yes our teams won... a lot.

But he was also a mentor who pulled me out of a downward spiral I had no idea I was in.”

“I will always be grateful that he gave me a chance. I am honored to have played even a small part in his great coaching legacy. His influence on me and hundreds of other vulnerable kids is immeasurable.”

Over his remarkable thirty-one-year career as head wrestling coach at Cameron High School, Coach Potts built a legacy of excellence and success. Under his guidance, the Cameron Dragons claimed four consecutive West Virginia Class A-AA State Championships from 1991-1994. Jim coached 34 individual state champions.

Throughout his tenure, Cameron High School amassed 15 OVAC Class A dual meet championships, 14 OVAC Class A tournament championships, and an impressive dual meet record of 363-94-4. Jim was honored as the OVAC Class A Wrestling Coach of the Year 15 times and earned five West Virginia Class A-AA Coach of the Year Awards. His extraordinary contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007 and the OVAC Wrestling Hall Of Fame in 2014.

Jim was baptized on July 25, 1999 at Cameron Baptist Church by Pastor Ronald McCoy.

Coach Potts leaves a legacy not only in victories and accolades but in the countless lives he touched through his mentorship, dedication, and love of the sport. His influence will continue to resonate with his family, friends, former athletes, and the entire Cameron community. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Family and friends will be notified when the memorial plans for Jim have been finalized.