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Jim Coates came to the Crossmen as a visual instructor in 1976, staying on as a consistent visual staff member throughout the 70's and early 80's. After pursuing other interests, Jim returned to the corps in 1990 and filled a variety of different crucial roles for the corps throughout the decade, including that of visual instructor, program consultant, business manager, and member of the board of directors.
In the fall of 1994, Jim assumed the role as director of the corps. He was an instrumental figure in recruiting the assistance of Youth Education in the Arts as a life raft for the Crossmen, who were dangerously close to folding forever at the time. His professionalism and steadfast dedication helped keep the corps moving forward through some very difficult times.
Under his directorship, he returned the corps to a programming style of engaging contemporary jazz and steered the corps to some of its greatest competitive heights. After the 1999 season, Jim took a well-deserved break from drum corps. He has since returned to the activity and remains an active and progressive voice in Drum Corps International.
Although Jim never marched in the Crossmen, there are many people who have, thanks to his incredible efforts to keep the corps alive during some its darkest hours. He has done so much over the years to assist the corps in every way imaginable that his contributions to the Crossmen can never really be measured. He will always be a valued part of the Crossmen family, and a respected member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame.
Inducted: 2003
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