Remembering Diablo Valley College Track & Field and XC HOF Coach, James (Jim) Anthony Costa

DVC Athletics is sad to report the passing of retired Kinesiology instructor and Head Men’s and Women’s XC/Track and Field coach, Jim Costa.

James Anthony Costa

Resident of Pleasanton

March 17, 1939 - August 4, 2024

Jim Costa passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4th surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in San Rafael, CA to Frances (McNamee) Costa and Joseph Costa. Soon after, including his only sister Arleen with special needs, they moved to Chico. In 1950, they moved to Hayward. There Jim enrolled into the 6th grade at All Saints grammar school, where he met his future wife Tullie. They both graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in 1957. Obtaining his Eagle Scout rank was a proud accomplishment of his. Jim attended San Mateo Junior College and then transferred to Fresno State where he graduated and earned his Master’s degree in physical education. He competed as an athlete in the shot put and discus events at both high school and college levels.

Jim’s first teaching job in 1962 was at Clayton Valley High School where he taught PE as well as drivers ed. His time there included coaching football, gymnastics and track and field. He then transferred to College Park High School where he taught PE, coached track and field in addition to cross country. In 1977, Jim became assistant track coach at Diablo Valley College and in 1984 was appointed head coach. At that time, he was hired as a full time physical education instructor at DVC. Jim was awarded many accolades during his coaching career: Coach of the Year at College Park High School and Diablo Valley College; inducted into the California Community College Track and Field/Cross Country Hall of Fame; most recently, inducted into the Diablo Valley College Hall of Fame. Because of his long career in athletics, he touched many lives in a positive way.

Jim’s passions included camping, boating, fishing, hunting and his all-around love of the outdoors which he proudly instilled in his family. He loved his workouts and was an avid runner. Jim will always be remembered for his integrity, honesty, love of family and most of all faith. He is survived by his wife, Tullie of 63 years, four daughters Mary Linney (Dennis), Cathy Lee (Mike), Lory Costa Willett (Louis), Terry Linney (Bill) and his eight grandchildren Jamie, Casey (Jessica), Amanda, John, James (Heidi), Jake. Marie, Catherine, and his four great-grandchildren Brooke, Cayla, Avery and Jack. 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 29th at 10:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 1315 Lomitas Ave. Livermore, CA. A reception to follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SpecialOlympics.org

(Diablo Valley College Athletics)