Jim Leighty

Jim Leighty

Class of 1957

“I can think of no one more deserving for all he has done as an athlete, and for athletes, during his years as a coach and teacher. He has dedicated his life to developing young people to be leaders with great integrity and not just to winning at all costs. During his business career he continued to coach and teach many who worked under his supervision. Among these individuals, those who practiced his principles of leadership and salesmanship, moved to top management positions. Upon his retirement several dozen of his business associates paraphrased Jim’s favorite quote, “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you won’t”. The beloved coach was then presented with an award which said, “If you think you can, you can”. Jim – You Did! Thanks for your outstanding leadership! - Marilyn Leighty

 


Comstock High School

  • Football – 4 Varsity Letters
    • 1956 Team Captain
    • 1956 1st Team All Conference
    • 1956 1st Team All State
  • Basketball – 2 Varsity Letters
  • Baseball – 3 Varsity Letters
    • 1955 & 1957 KVA Champions
    • 1957 Team Captain
    • 1957 1st Team All Conference
    • 1957 1st Team All State

Kalamazoo College

  • Football – 2 Varsity Letters
  • Baseball – 1 Varsity Letter

Kansas City Chiefs

  • 1964 – Attended Training Camp

Hamilton Tiger-Cats – Canadian Football League

  • 1967 – Attended Training Camp

Teacher & V Football, JV Basketball & V Track Coach

  • Bloomingdale – 1961-62
  • Potterville – 1962-63
  • Linden – 1964-68
    • 1967-68 League Champions – Football & Track
    • Founder of Linden Relays Track Invitational

Edith S. Leighty Exemplary Student Scholarship – Comstock HS

  • 1968 Founder

Author

  • How To Develop A Strong High School Kicking Game; Parker Publishing Co., 1967
  • Challenge To Greatness: Secrets of the Master Salesman; Brunswick Publishing, 1991
  • Foundations of Selling; The Magical Closing Cycle, 2003

Athletic Honors

  • 2014 Comstock Athletic Hall of Fame