Jim Clymer, who was in his fourth season as The College of Wooster's pole vault coach, passed away this week. He was 78.

Clymer made a drastic impact with Wooster's pole vaulters. Sophomore Dylan Garretson qualified for the NCAA Div. III Championships this winter, where he placed 12th. Under Clymer's guidance, Garretson won two North Coast Athletic Conference pole vault titles and broke the program's 33-year-old indoor school record. On the women's side, Clymer's mentorship led to All-NCAC honors for senior Morgan Kromer at last spring's outdoor conference meet.

Prior to coaching at Wooster, Clymer guided three Orrville High School pole vaulters to state championships. Nine of his charges earned All-Ohio honors at Orrville, five cleared 15 feet, and two exceeded 16 feet with Clymer as coach. He also had five years of Div. I experience at Kent State University. There, he mentored one outdoor All-American and an indoor national qualifier. He had a champion at the prestigious Penn Relays and two conference champions.

Professionally, the United State Marine Corps veteran earned a Purple Heart during the Vietnam War, and was the owner and operator of Clymer Insurance Agency in New Philadelphia and Kidron for a combined 40 years. He continued providing consulting services until his recent illness. He was actively involved in the community in Tuscarawas County, New Philadelphia, and Orrville.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy Joann Lile, and his children.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Auble Funeral Home, 512 E. Oak St., Orrville from 2-5 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be announced for later this spring and a complete obituary can be found HERE.