James Russell Saltz Sr., 86, of Hayesville, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 2, 2021, and reunited with his beloved wife of over 67 years, Martha Anne “Scottie” Rogers Saltz as well as their daughter, Terri Saltz.
He was a native and lifetime resident of the Tusquittee community in Hayesville, which he loved and cherished.
Russell was a longtime teacher, coach and mentor to several generations of students at Clay County Schools. He established and coached many athletic programs at Clay County Schools during his 42-year career. His commitment to education and love of coaching became a family tradition.
His leadership was instrumental in the Smoky Mountain Conference. He was a highly respected member of the western North Carolina athletic community. He was a voice for the region at the state level.
His talents extended to his passion, working on the family farm. His gardening skills and love of community was apparent through the many tomatoes and green beans he shared.
He was a member and former deacon of Truett Memorial First Baptist Church. The well-being of his family was his lifetime priority.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he was also preceded in death by his parents, Plato E. and Willa Mae “Bill” Mease Saltz; two sisters, Henrietta Anderson and Mary Zell Manro; and one brother, Randall Lee Saltz.
Surviving are three daughters, Melissa Saltz Cheek of Hayesville, Cindi Saltz Simmons and husband Si of Webster, and Amy Saltz Brodhage and husband Mark of Arab, Ala.; a son, James Russell “Jim” Saltz Jr. of Hayesville; five grandchildren, Jordan Leigh Cheek, and Sandy, 1SG Thomas Lee Cheek II and wife Heather, Jackson Brett Simmons and wife Nicole, Craig Forest Brodhage and Elizabeth Anne Brodhage; three great-grandchildren, Thomas Lee Cheek III,
Taylor James Cheek and Hailee Marie Cheek; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at Truett Memorial First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Chester Jones officiating.
The interment will be in the Rogers Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Si Simmons, Mark Brodhage, 1SG Thomas Cheek, Jackson Simmons, Craig Brodhage and David Rogers. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Rogers and Jeff Ginn.
The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at Truett Memorial First Baptist Church, Hayesville, prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of James Russell Saltz Sr. to the Mabel Jones Rogers Padgett Memorial Prayer Garden at Truett Memorial First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 464, Hayesville, NC 28904.
The family requests, for the safety of the community that was so special to coach Saltz, that those who attend wear a mask.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.