New Fund Supports Youth Hockey
Posted on July 31, 2008
“I will never forget you, Coach Little.”
Those words sum up the sentiment so many of Jim Little’s former hockey players share.
Jim Little was born in Port Huron in 1932. His grandfather, William Little, moved to Michigan and started the Littite Foundry. Jim’s father, Leonard Little, was the treasurer of Mueller Brass Company for many years.
Jim began coaching when his sons started playing hockey and continued coaching long after they were grown. He coached at mite, squirt, pee wee, and bantam levels with the Port Huron Minor Hockey Association, and junior level in the Western Ontario Hockey League.
He and his life-long good friend, Ron McKinch, coached together and were joined by Mike Donahue in the late 1970s.
Jim attended Washington School and graduated from Port Huron High School in 1950. Jim attended St. Clair County Community College and the University of Michigan, where he studied civil engineering. He was also a great fan of University of Michigan football.
Jim held positions of Director of the St. Clair County Road Commission, the St. Clair County Airport Commission, and the St. Clair County Department of Public Works (he served all these simultaneously).
Although Jim and his wife Nancy lived in Howell for more than 20 years, the Port Huron area always remained “home” to them. They both loved being by the water – the sights and sounds and just the general beauty of the lake.
Nancy established the James L. “Jim” Little Fund in her husband’s memory to support youth hockey in St. Clair County. For additional information, or to learn how you can make a donation, please contact 810.841.1971.
