James Harry "Coach Jim" Zalas

James H. “Coach Jim” Zalas, 74, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 1:08 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 in Memorial Hospital.  James was born on November 6, 1942 in South Bend to Herman James and Stella (Cwidak) Zalas, and was a lifelong resident.  He had been the owner of  The Dugout Sporting Goods, a business that he started in 1985 because of his love of  sports and working with youth. He had also been employed with Torrington.  On June 13, 1964, in Sacred Heart Church, Lakeville, Indiana, he married Caroline A. Skarbek, who survives.  Also surviving are his two sons, Kevin Zalas of South Bend, Indiana and Mark (Darla) Zalas of North Liberty, Indiana; and two grandchildren, Ashely and Zachary.  James was preceded in death by his parents,  Herman and Stella Zalas; and his sister, Patricia Martin.  A Catholic Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2017 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. A visitation will take place from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.  James was a 1960 graduate of Washington High School.  He was a member of Holy Family Parish and served in the American National Guard.  James was one of the first non-teachers to coach in the South Bend Community School System.   He had coached football at St. Adalbert Grade School, Brown Middle School, and Washington High School. He was also a coach at Warren Township Little League.  James enjoyed sports, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a Notre Dame sports fan. To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.