Egli

James William Egli, 88, of Sterling House in Salem, Ohio, formerly of Slippery Rock, died Sunday evening at Salem Community Hospital.

Born in Muncy, Lycoming County, Pa., March 10, 1923, he was the son of David Mearl Egli and Winifred Bain Powis.

He married Eleanor Helen Sulyk on Aug. 10, 1949, and she preceded him in death June 14, 2008.

Mr. Egli retired from Slippery Rock University, where he was an associate professor for 31 years. He coached soccer for 30 years and swimming for 15 years. He was instrumental in the introduction of soccer as a sport into the NAIA, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He was recognized as the “Father of NAIA Soccer” and was the first inductee into the National Collegiate Soccer Hall of Fame.

Mr. Egli graduated from Muncy High School and received his bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University. He received his master's degree in physical education from the University of Pennsylvania. He also received educational credits from Penn State University and Indiana University, in the state of Indiana.

He was a member and former Sunday school teacher at the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church and also was a member of the Slippery Rock and New Castle Camera clubs.

He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves with the rank of second lieutenant.

Surviving are two sons and their spouses, Bruce James and Bonnie Lynn Egli of Swissvale and Brian James and Kristin Kay Egli of Salem, Ohio; a brother, Harold Jonas Egli of Danville, Pa.; two grandchildren, Alicia Eleanor Eavey and Evan James and his wife, Tiffany Marie Egli; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler James and Eli Jaxson Egli.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Eleanor Eavey; a grandson, Nathan Edward Egli; a sister, Gene Shannon Agnello; and a brother, David Paul Egli.

<B>EGLI</B> — Funeral services for James William Egli, who died Sunday, July 24, 2011, will be observed at the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church, Franklin Street, Slippery Rock, at 11 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Pamela Gardner, pastor of the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church, presiding. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 until time of service at 11 a.m.Friends also will be received at <B>Smith Funeral Home</B>, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Interment will be in Slippery Rock Cemetery, Slippery Rock Township.Memorial contributions may be given to Alumni Association for the Soccer Fund at Slippery Rock University or the Slippery Rock United Methodist Men, Franklin Street, Slippery Rock.