March 29, 1940 ~ February 16, 2026 (age 85)
The much loved and respected Coach Jimmy DeVenny (James Vance DeVenny, III) of Auburn, Alabama passed away February 16, 2026, after a short bout with cancer.
He is preceded in death by his parents James Vance DeVenny, II and Frances Bell Kittrell.
He is survived by (in his words) “his wife, high school sweetheart, love of his life, best friend forever, lifetime helpmate, chief supporter and stabilizing partner” of almost 65 years, Clara Jeanine Smith DeVenny; his daughters, Jenny Hatfield (David), Joni Williams and Jan Watkins (Chris); his sister, Cheryl Dempsey (Ben, deceased); his grandchildren, Riley Watkins (Alexis), Garrett Watkins (Anna), Connor Watkins (Emma), Brady Watkins (Marisa), Elise Hatfield, Caroline Watkins Redd (Gunnar), Avery Williams; his great-grandchildren, Cal Watkins, Malachi Watkins, Blythe Watkins, Lottie Watkins, Adelaide Watkins, Nora Watkins, Hayes Watkins (deceased), Baker Watkins, Miller Watkins, Everly Redd, Faye Watkins, Thomas Watkins, Sonny Watkins.
Jimmy DeVenny, born March 29, 1940 in Eufaula, Alabama, graduated from Eufaula High School in 1958. He was on Auburn University’s first SEC championship basketball team in 1959-60 and graduated from Auburn University in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in Textile Management. Jimmy was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant Field Artillery Unit Commander. He then received a certification in secondary education from Auburn University in 1968. He went on to receive a master’s degree in Administration and Guidance & Counseling from University of Alabama Birmingham in 1973. In 1981, he received a certificate in Vocational Education/Marketing and Distributive Education from Auburn University.
Coach DeVenny was a beloved and award-winning high school basketball coach in the state of Alabama for many years where he coached at Hewitt-Trussville High School, Erwin High School, Auburn High School and Eufaula High School. He then served as an assistant principal at Auburn High School, a principal at Drake Middle School, maintenance and transportation supervisor for Auburn City Schools and retired as an assistant superintendent for Auburn City Schools. And because he enjoyed people and meeting new challenges, he became a real estate agent for Century 21 Paramount Real Estate/Prudential Real Estate.
One of the highlights of Jimmy’s life was serving his church faithfully. He was a member of Parkway Baptist Church for 31 years where he served in many capacities including deacon, chairman of the deacons, trustee, chairman of the trustees and teacher of the Agape Sunday School class for almost 30 years where he had many close friends.
In Jimmy’s words he enjoyed “ family, building memories with them including many vacations, celebrations and just being together, Nean’s good cooking, close friends, church friends, tennis buddies, playing Hand and Foot , teaching the Agape Sunday School class and the sweet spirit among those brothers and sisters, Auburn sports, Auburn High School sports, Atlanta Braves, writing poems, country music, 50’s music, Christian music and FOX news. “
Jimmy wore many hats and was beloved by all who knew him. His blessings were “too many to note, but include….Nean, family, heritage, background, high school basketball coach, Coach Jack Powell, teammates, classmates, former basketball teams, mentors, bosses, co-workers, church leaders, pastors, teachers, staff and living in the USA. “
But his greatest blessing Jimmy said was “the peace of having Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The One who selected and saved me despite my sins, mistakes, and shortcomings. The One who continues to lead me even when I am not aware of the need to be led. The One who answered prayers when I expressed heart felt requests knowing I had no solutions of my own. The One, through the Holy Spirtit, who still walks with me today guiding, directing and protecting. The One who still provides me with His grace, presence, power, and wisdom daily. The One who is still patiently working His plan for my life…. Jeremiah 29:11.” God DID indeed work His plan for Jimmy’s life and all who knew him benefitted from his life and example.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11:00 AM at Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00 AM -11:00 AM at Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the AGAPE FUND at Parkway Baptist Church, 766 E. University Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36830.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.
Local Obituaries brought to you by Frederick-Dean and Valley Point Funeral Homes. “Serving our communities in their time of need”.
