James (Jim) Alvin Kilmer, longtime Health and Physical Education teacher and Varsity soccer coach in the Upper Moreland School District, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16. He was 84.

According to his obituary, Mr. Kilmer served 37 years as a teacher and coached the high school boys’ soccer team for 35 years and the girls’ soccer team, a program he founded in 1975, for 25 years. He retired from teaching in 2000.

Mr. Kilmer was inducted into the PA Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013, followed by an induction into the Upper Moreland High School Hall of Fame with the 1973 state finalist boys’ soccer team in 2019. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Assocation’s “200 Win Club” with 254 to his name.

Mr. Kilmer graduated from New Hope Solebury High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from East Stroudsburg State College, followed by Master’s degrees from Trenton State College and Temple University.

“Jim volunteered his time coaching various recreational teams for his children, sharing his passion for the game and life lessons along the way. As his family grew, Jim enthusiastically attended his grandchildren’s activities and was their biggest cheerleader,” his obituary said. “Jim’s kind heart, immense sense of humor, unwavering support, and dedication left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone who knew him. His family will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.”

A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 28 at McGhee-Givnish Funeral Home, 690 Belmont Ave., Southampton. The visitation is from 10:00am to 11:30am with services beginning at 11:30am. Interment will be private.

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