James Elverton (Jim) Brett, Jr.

Coach Jim Brett of Emerald Isle, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, January 11, 2025.  He passed away peacefully at Carolina East Medical Center with his wife and daughter by his side.

Jim grew up in Ahoskie and graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1963 where he was a three-sport athlete. He excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Right out of high school he was drafted by the New York Mets but he decided to pursue his college education. He attended Chowan College and graduated from Atlantic Christian College with a Batchelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Social Studies. Then, upon graduation his love for athletics led him to pursue a long and storied career in education and coaching. Jim was a career head football, track and Athletic Director. He coached at Tarboro High School, West Brunswick High School, Northern Nash High School and West Carteret High School. At each school, he was very fortunate to work with great assistant coaches and wonderful young athletes. His teams won three state football championships and four state track and field championships, along with numerous conference championship titles in football and track.

After his retirement, Jim was a governor appointed Board of Trustee for Carteret Community College. In addition, he was recognized as one of the All-Time greats in North Carolina prep coaching history. He was inducted into four different Hall of Fames: The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, North Carolina Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, The George Whitfield Baseball Hall of Fame and the inaugural class Tarboro High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim was a humble man and never wanted the spotlight to be on him rather on his assistant coaches and players.He was deeply moved and appreciative of these honors bestowed upon him for his contributions to high school athletics. Coach Brett was an avid Duke Blue Devils, Washington Redskins (Commanders) fan, and New York Yankees fan.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Terri Pippin Brett; daughter, Betsy Brett Williams (Brandon) and grandchildren, Brett Pennington and Gracie Williams. His sister, Betty Brett Harrelle, and beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Rebecca Brett and daughter, Rene' Brett Pennington.

Visitation will be at Tarboro High School Gymnasium from 11:30am-1:00pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025 and the Celebration of Life beginning at 1pm. The interment to follow at Ahoskie Cemetery, 1500 1st Street W (Beside Hertford County High School), Ahoskie, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Broad Street Clinic

534 N 35th Street K

Morehead City, NC 28557

www.broadstreetclinic.org

Carteret County Humane Society

853 Hibbs Road

Newport, NC 28570

www.cchsshelter.com