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LINCOLN — Jim Ross, who worked with Bob Devaney at a Michigan high school and the University of Wyoming before coming to Nebraska, died Friday. He was 94.
Ross was the Huskers' defensive backs coach from 1962 through 1968, then was the NU freshman coach from 1969 through 1975. As an assistant athletic director, Ross oversaw the Devaney Center from 1976 until retiring in 1985.
Don Bryant, the former NU sports information director, said Ross still attended Husker games until his health wouldn't allow it in recent years. Ross had been ill and was hospitalized before dying.
Bryant said Ross also enjoyed golfing, fishing and playing pitch in retirement.
“He's one of the greatest friends I've ever had and one of the greatest gentlemen I've ever known,” Bryant said Friday night. “A very wise man and just a great sense of humor. Just a tremendous individual.”
Ross was a World War II veteran who graduated from Eastern Michigan University. He spent 11 years with Devaney at Alpena (Mich.) High.
“They were very, very good friends, and always had been,” Bryant said.
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