Jim Semon Ontario, CA, Death, Obituary: Beloved Youth Coach and Mentor Passes Away
Jim Semon, a respected youth coach, mentor, and community leader whose lifelong commitment to helping young people shaped countless lives, has passed away, leaving family, friends, former athletes, and community members mourning a tremendous loss. His death has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes celebrating a man whose influence extended far beyond the baseball field. At the time of publication, the cause of Jim Semon’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
Jim Semon became a guiding force in the life of Anthony Muñoz when Anthony was just six years old. While serving as Director of Parks and Recreation in Ontario, California, Jim and his wife, Cheryl, gave Anthony his first baseball glove—an act of kindness that marked the beginning of a lifelong mentorship. As Anthony grew older, Jim became his high school baseball coach, providing encouragement, discipline, and unwavering support that helped shape his character both as an athlete and as a person.
The values Jim instilled—service, leadership, compassion, and integrity—would later become the foundation of the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. Anthony has often credited Jim’s mentorship as a major inspiration behind the organization’s mission to positively impact young people mentally, physically, and spiritually.
In recognition of Jim and Cheryl Semon’s extraordinary influence, the Foundation established the Jim & Cheryl Semon Impact Award in 2006. Jim was honored as the inaugural recipient, setting the standard for future award winners through his lifelong dedication to serving youth and strengthening the community.
Over the years, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 62,500 young people, a testament to the lasting legacy of Jim’s guidance and vision. His commitment to investing in others continues to inspire volunteers, community leaders, coaches, and young people alike.
Jim Semon will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but also for his generosity, humility, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child he encountered. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.