Former UW-Oshkosh Coach & Administrator Passes Away

James J. Flood, who served UW-Oshkosh with dignity for 30 years as a professor, head coach, director of men’s athletics, and assistant chancellor, passed away on April 16 in Florida at the age of 83.

Flood's association with UW-Oshkosh began in 1965 as a professor of health and physical education. That same year he assumed the responsibilities as head coach of both the men's cross country and track & field teams.

As head coach of the men's cross country team for five years, Flood guided the Titans to WSUC titles in 1967 and 1968. He was named NAIA District 14 Coach of the Year both seasons.

As head coach of the men's track & field team for 17 years, Flood guided UW-Oshkosh to four WSUC outdoor championships (1966-1968, 1971) and two WSUC indoor titles (1971, 1973). Flood was a five-time NAIA District 14 Coach of the Year award winner.

In 1974, Flood became the school’s director of men's athletics. UW-Oshkosh teams combined to win 11 national championships during Flood's 13-year tenure as athletic director.

Flood accepted a new challenge in 1987 when he became UW-Oshkosh's Assistant Chancellor of University Relations. For eight years Flood had administrative responsibility for alumni affairs, university publications, news bureau, media relations, speaker’s bureau and government relations.

Flood's involvement also extended into the community. He played an active role in the city of Oshkosh with his involvement in the Oshkosh Citizens Advisory Committee, Oshkosh Human Relations Council, EAA Foundation Friendship Committee, the Oshkosh Area United Way, and the Wisconsin Special Olympics. In 1991, Flood was the Oshkosh Area United Way general chairman.

Following his retirement from UW-Oshkosh in 1995, Flood and his wife, Gretchen, traveled extensively in the United States and overseas. They especially enjoyed visiting their four children and their families. Flood also maintained his life-long interest in all sports. He was an enthusiastic fan of the UW-Oshkosh Titans, the Wisconsin Badgers, the Green Bay Packers and the Olympic Games. In 2012, Flood was the Honorary Captain for UW-Oshkosh’s home football game against UW-La Crosse.

Flood received his undergraduate (1957) and graduate (1960) degrees from UW-La Crosse, where he played intercollegiate basketball for the Eagles. He would later earn his doctorate degree at the University of Northern Colorado in 1970.

Before teaching at UW-Oshkosh, Flood taught at both Roosevelt Junior High School in Oshkosh from 1957-60 and Oshkosh Senior High School from 1960-65.

Flood, who served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56, was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament – St. Mary Catholic Church in Oshkosh and Post 70 of the American Legion. He also was a member of UW-Oshkosh’s Titan Booster and National “O” clubs. Flood was inducted into the UW-Oshkosh Hall of Fame in 1998.

Flood was born in Racine on June 2, 1932. He is the son of Thomas and Martha (Volz) Flood. On August 22, 1953, Flood married Gretchen von Germeten.

Survivors include three sons, James (Kim) Flood of Charlotte, N.C; Brian (Julie) Flood of Wilmette, Ill.; William (Diane) Flood of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; a daughter Colleen (Rick) Vosberg of Winfield, Ill.; and grandchildren Rachel, Jake and Sarah Flood of Charlotte, N.C.; Hannah and Tracy Flood of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Mitchell Vosberg of Winfield, Ill.; and Catherine Flood of Wilmette, Ill.

Also surviving is a brother, Lawrence Flood of Detroit, Mich. Flood was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers (Thomas, Frank and Jerry Flood) and four sisters (Ruth Diener, Katherine Moore, Helen Petersen and Alice Hammond).

A memorial service to celebrate Flood’s life will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament – St. Mary Catholic Church (442 Monroe Street • Oshkosh) at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26. Family and friends may attend the visitation at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the construction of the UW-Oshkosh Athletics Hall of Fame Room through the UW-Oshkosh Foundation (625 Pearl Avenue, Suite 230, Oshkosh, WI 54901). At Flood’s behest, contributions to the James J. Flood Memorial Fund (Account #7570) will help create a multi-purpose location in Kolf Sports Center that celebrates UW-Oshkosh’s Hall of Fame and hosts receptions and gatherings.