Jimmy Feix, the winningest football coach in the history of WKU football, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 5th. He was 83.

Feix served his alma mater as an All-America athlete, assistant football coach, head football coach, assistant director of alumni affairs, director of alumni affairs and director of athletics almost continuously from his arrival on campus as a freshman athlete in 1949 until his retirement in 1990.

“WKU is unique in the manner in which our own leaders have shaped our spirit and our traditions,” WKU President Gary Ransdell said. “Jimmy Feix did just that during his 41 years as star student-athlete, record-setting coach, alumni director and athletic director. He will be missed by thousands of alumni and colleagues, including me. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of the Hilltoppers whose lives are better because of his positive influence.”

The playing field at Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium, where his 16 teams played all of their home games, was named “Jimmy Feix Field” in his honor in 1991. In addition, he and another former Topper quarterback and head coach, Willie Taggart, were the first football athletes to have their jerseys retired in ceremonies on Feix Field in 1999.

Feix was a member of the 10-person inaugural class of the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. He is also an honored member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions (2007), the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame (2004), WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni (2003) and the Henderson County Sports Hall of Fame (1988).

A native of Henderson, Ky., Feix was born on August 1, 1931. He attended Barret Manual Training School in Henderson before bringing his talents to WKU.

Feix is survived by his wife, the former Frankie Biggers and two sons, Dr. Jimmy B. Feix of Milwaukee, Wis., and Dr. Jeff Feix of Nashville, Tenn., as well as multiple grandchildren.

The family of Coach Feix has asked that in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Jimmy Feix Fund – Fellowship of Christian Athletes in care of College Heights Foundation or to a charity of your choice.

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