Obituary: Jim Goodrich P’99, ’02 — And Superfan Extraordinaire
The Staples High School boys soccer program has lost one of its most beloved members.
Jim Goodrich died yesterday, of cardiac arrest. He had been battling leukemia, and was awaiting a bone marrow transplant from his daughter Lisa.
Jim was the stepfather of Ryley McWilliams ’99 — the 1998 Block “S” Most Improved award winner — and Andrew McWilliams ’02.
Their involvement with Staples soccer was the springboard for his involvement in the program long after they graduated. Jim was a constant presence on The Hill. His support ranged from organizing cheers during close important matches and chaperoning fan buses to post-season matches, to helping the Barbecue Club serve burgers and ribs to hungry spectators.
He did so much more at Staples too. A longtime building substitute teacher, he knew nearly every student — and loved them all. He was a demanding but understanding Advanced Placement test proctor.
Jim coached the Staples sailing team, helped out with the wrestlers (he wrestled in college, and even in his 70s got down on the mat), and advised and prepared the Challenge Team for their competitions.
All that came as a 2nd career. He was a very successful businessman, who dedicated himself to Staples after retirement.
Besides Staples, his other love was his boat. He and his wife Luisa sailed often, to Cape Cod and up and down the East Coast.
Jim was a jack-of-all trades. When then-Staples High School principal John Dodig got married, Jim officiated.
The Staples soccer program joins the rest of Staples — and Westport — in mourning the loss of our great friend.
Details of Jim Goodrich’s memorial service will be announced soon.
Jim Goodrich gets the fans going in a 2015 match against Greenwich.
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