James "Jim" F. Droz

James “Jim” F. Droz, 71, of Everett, PA; went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 13, 2025.  He was born in Beaver County on December 24, 1953, to the late William B. Sr. and Betty R. (Dewar) Droz.  On September 5, 1992, in Everett, he married Joann (Fabian) Droz, who survives along with two children:  Caitlyn (Chris) Collins and Kyle (Victoria) Droz; a granddaughter, Adalyn Collins, whom he adored.  He is also survived by three siblings; Sherry Lynn (Curt) Newill, William B. Jr. (Jan) Droz, his twin brother Jerry (Dorothy) Droz and several nieces and nephews.

Jim graduated from Ambridge High School near Pittsburgh then went on to attend Clarion State College, graduating May 18, 1975, with a B.S. in Elementary Education.  In 1976, he traveled to New Mexico where he taught for two years on a Native American Reservation.  In 1978 he came back to Pennsylvania and began teaching with the Everett Area School District; first four years at Chaneysville Elementary then thirty-six years at Breezewood Elementary School as the Head Teacher.  In 1979, he became both a PIAA Wrestling and PIAA Baseball Official along with later becoming an American Legion Umpire, all of which he stayed as active with as much as he was able. 

He began his coaching career by assisting Jr. High Wrestling and in 1983 he became the Head Varsity Wrestling Coach.  During his first year he coached Everett’s first and only State Champion, Paul Clark.  His coaching career would also include Jr. high wrestling, football, baseball and elementary wrestling.  He was the President and Director of the Everett Youth Football and Cheerleading League for sixteen years.  For the past thirty plus years he has had a summer job at Everett Area School District in maintenance doing painting jobs at all five of the schools within the district.  He once said, “If it’s got paint on it, I’ve probably painted it!”  He has also served as the Assistant Athletic Director at Everett for more than twelve years.  He was honored in 2022 for his coaching career by being inducted into the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame, receiving special recognition, and again in 2024 being inducted into the District V Wrestling Hall of Fame.

“Mr. Droz” had a lifelong passion for educating.  Whether in the classroom, the gym, on the sidelines, or out in town, his impact and dedication to the Everett Community will endure and be greatly missed. 

Jim was a devoted member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Everett serving various positions throughout his lifelong membership.

Friends and Family will be received on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 2:00 -8:00 P.M. at the Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church, 110 W. Main Street, Everett, PA with Pastor Kathy Popp officiating.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the Zion Lutheran Church, 110 W. Main Street, Everett, PA 15537.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA 15537.

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