Jimmy Carroll Walden, 88

Jimmy Carroll Walden, "Coach Jim Walden," moved from one playing field to the next on July 2, 2026, after a brief hospitalization for sudden respiratory failure, or as he referred to it, TMB (too many birthdays). One of the EMTs who facilitated his transfer to the hospital asked if he was "the one and only Jim Walden." Typical of Jim, he responded, "It depends." The young EMT had recognized his name after having played football himself at WSU for Mike Leach and wanted to thank Jim for all he had done for the football program at WSU. The first physician to attend to Jim in the ER came in with a " Go Cougs" salutation, having also gone to WSU, so Jim knew from the start that he was in good hands with the exceptional care he received at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. 

Jim did prove to be the one and only, as all of you who knew him can attest. He was a man of great character and rock-solid values. He had a classic sense of humor and the most caring heart of anyone you could ever know. He would, and did, help those in need, and as a lifelong coach, he was so passionate about the future success of his players. Winning was always the goal, but what he most wanted was for them to recognize their own potential, to get a good education and to be a positive influence in their personal lives, whether for family, friends or on their career paths. That was his crowning achievement and great source of pride as he continued to reunite with many of his players long after their playing days were over. 

During his coaching days at WSU, he was known for never being politically correct to his administrative bosses, and most particularly to the bow-tie elites of the conference who could not, or would not, relate to a young man from Mississippi who, with so few resources compared to the heavyweights like USC and UCLA, still managed to receive Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors in 1981 and 1983. It was the '81 team that took the Cougs to their first bowl game in 51 years and which will be inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame in Martin Stadium on Oct. 24. 

Jim lived a wonderfully full life and certainly on his own terms. He is survived by his children, Lisa (Paul) Whitehead and their children, Max, Jake and Georgia; Murray Walden (Bridget) and their children, Meryl, Lauren, Charlie and Luke; Emily Walden; and his sister, Eleanor Wells of Tuscaloosa, Ala. He is also survived by his wife, Nancy Brown, and her sons, Eric Zimmerman, his children, Jill and Cal, and Raleigh Zimmerman. He is preceded in death by Janice, his loving wife of 46 years. 

Jim had a world of friends, fans, admirers, fellow coaches and family who all adored him and loved being around him. His passing leaves a huge void for so many. Still, he will always be with us as we remember his southern drawl, sideline tobacco spittin', legendary quotes and unique demeanor, which will never be forgotten. 

A celebration of a life well lived will take place at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Event Center on Aug. 20, beginning at 4 p.m. Jim generously donated to many charities and always hoped that with a winning lotto ticket, he could do even more. Still, he would be most honored by a contribution at this time to the Cougar Athletic Fund. 

Go Cougs!