FINDLAY — James Morgan Siewert, a teacher and coach in Hancock County schools whose influence extended beyond the classroom and playing field, died Wednesday in Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, of an apparent heart attack. He was 81.

He retired in 1998 from the Van Buren schools, where he was hired more than 20 years to teach and coach.

He stayed in touch with students from a career beginning in the 1950s.

He taught students history, “but he also felt part of his responsibility was to get them ready for life, not just where the state capitals were,” his son, Eric, said. Likewise, he taught athletes “about being responsible, about being good stewards,” his son said. “He wanted people to get the best out of themselves.”

Eric Bishop was an eighth-grader planning to play football at the former Mount Blanchard High School when he met Mr. Siewert.

“He was just a dynamo, all energy,” Mr. Bishop said.

Mr. Bishop went on to be co-captain with Lynn Martin of Mount Blanchard’s undefeated 1961 football team.

“He had an energy and curiosity that was so attractive that everybody got on board,” Mr. Bishop said. “That was the key to the 1961 undefeated season.”

Mr. Bishop played football at Ball State University, joined the Peace Corps, and became an educator and businessman in Puerto Rico. “I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance and motivation and assistance,” Mr. Bishop said.

For several years in retirement, Mr. Siewert did color commentary for WQTL-FM of University of Findlay basketball and football games.

Mr. Siewert, a Clay High School offensive lineman and four-year football letterman at what is now Bluffton University, was head football coach at Risingsun, Ohio, before moving to Mount Blanchard, where he taught and coached baseball and track.

In the early 1960s, he taught junior high and coached in Lucas County’s Washington Local Schools. He later taught at Findlay High School and was head baseball coach and an assistant coach of basketball and football.

For several years he returned to Bluffton University as an assistant football coach and dean of men. He also was principal of Beaverdam School in the Bluffton school system.

At Van Buren High School, he coached football from 1974 to 1981. He also was an assistant basketball coach and, for a year, head coach.

He was a disciple of Woody Hayes and attended annual clinics given by the legendary Ohio State University football coach. And his approach to the game matched Coach Hayes’ — run the ball. At Mount Blanchard, “they might have thrown the ball four times the entire season,” his son said.

At Van Buren, his players threw the ball, “which was very uncharacteristic of my father,” his son said. “He had a good quarterback and good receivers. He was pretty innovative with his offensive scheme, against his better judgment.”

Mr. Siewert had a master’s degree from the University of Toledo. He was a member of the East Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Findlay.

He was born June 27, 1934, to Margaret and Arnold Siewert, and grew up in Lucas County’s former Oregon Township.

Surviving are his wife, Linda, whom he married Aug. 16, 1958; son, Eric; daughter, Marsha Hoshko; brother, Scott, and two grandsons.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay, with visitation from 1-4 p.m. today and after 10 a.m. Monday. The family suggests tributes to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.

First Published October 25, 2015, 4:00 a.m.