Jim Thieser, president of the NSCAA in 2001, passed away the morning of Dec. 9, 2006, at his home in Poultney, Vt.He was born in Rochester, NY, on August 9, 1945, son of the late Robert and Carolyn (Nowack) Thieser. On July 26, 1969, he married the love of his life, Shirley Bulau, in Brighton, NY. He was employed by Muskingum College as assistant dean of students, soccer coach and assistant baseball coach. There he was instrumental in raising the level of soccer from a club team to a varsity sport. He earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, and later his master's degree at Bowling Green State University.

In 1972, Jim and Shirley moved to Vermont, where he was employed at Castleton State College as a member of the physical education faculty. In a variety of capacities, he represented the athletic department as a soccer coach, a baseball coach and for three years served as athletic director until his retirement in 2004. Jim served as the president of the NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches Association, spent three years as the NSCAA's vice president for conventions and one year as president. He was elected into the Athletic Hall of Fame for Castleton State College, the NAIA Soccer Hall of Fame and the New York State Section V Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1991, Jim had the honor of coaching the NAIA Senior Bowl east team in Las Cruces, N.M. Jim was a member of the Lake St. Catherine Country Club and also served on the board of directors. He was a dedicated member of the Poultney Rotary Club #6479 for 30 years, with a perfect attendance record of 16 years, and was also elected president two times. He was an avid golfer and a sports enthusiast. He also enjoyed umpiring high school and college softball in Vermont and New York State.

James is survived by his wife, Shirley Thieser of Poultney; three daughters, Erika Thieser of Sanford, Fla., Kirstin Binkley and her husband Todd of Palm Coast, Fla., and Erin Pratt and her husband Jason of Bolton Landing, N.Y.; one sister, Ellyn Ryman and her husband William of Hudson, Fla.; one nephew, Corey Ryman of Hudson, Fla.; two granddaughters, Madelyn Pratt and Avery Binkley; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was looking forward to the birth of his first grandson in January. He is also survived by his extended family, Loly, Owen, Michelle, Lea, Rev, and many former students, soccer and baseball players whom he dearly loved.

A celebration of life will take place in May.

(This article appeared in the Dec. 12, 2006, issue of the Rutland (Vt.) Herald.)

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