By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

FORT WRIGHT - Covington Catholic High School dedicated its track meet Thursday to James "Jim" Fangman - a coach in Northern Kentucky for 30 years and volunteer with the school's boosters program.

CovCath took first place.

Mr. Fangman died Thursday night at University Hospital a few days after suffering an aneurysm. The Fort Wright resident was 66.

A dedicated family man, he was involved in sports because his children played.

Through the years, he coached boys baseball and boys and girls basketball at St. Agnes School in Fort Wright. He also was a coach for Boone County Pee Wee Football, Fort Thomas Pee Wee Football and the Campbell County Red Devils youth football team.

He became involved when two of his sons played football for CovCath. "He helped get the field ready, painted the concession stands, did some plumbing work," his son Alex of Fort Wright said. "He did whatever they asked him to do."

Mr. Fangman was a native of Newport and a graduate of Newport High School. He spent six years as a sergeant in the Army Reserves.

A plumber and pipe fitter for 35 years, he spent nine years as a business agent for the Plumber, Pipefitters and Mechanical Equipment Service Union Local 392. "He loved the union," his son said. "It was what he was all about." Mr. Fangman retired in 1998.

He was a parishioner at St. Agnes Church and member of the Holy Name League. He also played in several golf leagues, including the Devou Park seniors league and the Knights of Columbus Golf League.

In addition to his son Alex, survivors include his wife of 22 years, Mary Wartman Fangman; a daughter, Katie Fangman of Fort Wright; four other sons, Greg of Cold Spring, Rob of Edgewood and Eric and Christopher, both of Fort Wright; two brothers, Skip of Park Hills and Don of Fort Thomas; a sister, Jane Fangman of Fort Wright; and six grandchildren.

Services have been held. Burial was at St. John Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.

Memorials: James Fangman Children's Educational Fund, 1593 St. Anthony Drive, Fort Wright, KY 41011.

---

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com