In September 2019, James was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, a rare type of tissue cancer. Since then, he has had 25 radiation treatments, four major surgeries \u2013 a right buttockectomy, two debridement surgeries and the removal of a tumor from his lung \u2013 while also undergoing three different chemotherapy regimens. His cancer has since metastasized and become \u2018incurable\u2019 Stage 4 cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlmost daily something happens to me where I choose to respond by not getting angry,\u201d said James. \u201cI often tell myself, \u2018If that\u2019s the worst thing that happens to you today, it really hasn\u2019t been a bad day.\u2019 When you have been told you have incurable cancer, someone cutting you off in traffic isn\u2019t worth getting upset over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James\u2019 outlook on life and positivity toward living each day to its fullest trickles down to those he coaches. For the past 15 years, James has been coaching at the high school level. On the basketball court, he started as the boy\u2019s junior varsity coach before becoming an assistant on the varsity squad this past season. He\u2019s also entering his third year as a pitching coach for the Liberty North baseball team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCoach James is truly an inspiration for us to continue fighting and keep an optimistic and positive attitude,\u201d said Royals President of Baseball Operations and C You in the Major Leagues Founder Dayton Moore. \u201cWhile it could be so easy to quit and walk away, Rob makes it a priority to be there for his players, friends and family even in the most difficult of circumstances. We\u2019re incredibly honored to share his story and add him to our well-deserving roster of Blue KC Coaches with Character.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his coaching tenure, James has built lasting relationships with his former players that extend far beyond athletics. He cherishes the moments when he\u2019s asked to provide a letter of recommendation for those he has coached. He sees that gesture as a sign of trust between him and his players. Some of his recommendation letters have helped United States Senators, U.S. Naval Academy officers and those applying to musical theater programs and graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe best advice I have ever received is to choose to be happy,\u201d said James. \u201cFor years, I have told players that the two things they control are their effort and their attitude. I choose to be grateful and happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James encourages his players to be their best by giving 100 percent effort, 100 percent of the time. He also pushes them to be happy and grateful for the opportunities they\u2019re presented in athletics and wants them to think about how they GET to practice rather than they HAVE to practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStandards are a huge part of what I do as a coach,\u201d said James. \u201cHaving standards is superior to having a bunch of rules. Kids strive to reach standards, and standards serve them for the rest of their lives. A standard such as \u2018be a great teammate\u2019 goes way beyond the basketball court or baseball field.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout his battle with cancer, James has stayed committed to his players and their daily practices and game schedules. He would only miss practice on treatment days or on days where he was advised to stay away (COVID-19). As the basketball season progressed, and he began his fourth chemotherapy cycle, James still had a goal of making it to every practice and game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI ended up missing one game and about one practice per week,\u201d said James. \u201cPractice let me watch my son for 90 minutes to two hours while he was doing something he loved. Part of my desire to be there was simply to set an example for our players that they should not let obstacles stop them from doing what they needed to do. Many days I felt like I barely contributed to practice, but I hoped my presence had an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James also hopes he can be an example for others who are dealing with difficult obstacles throughout their lives. As the adage says, a coach can impact as many young people in a year as most people do in a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the past year, Rob\u2019s situation has worsened,\u201d said James\u2019 nominator Cy Musser. \u201cHe was told he had 12-18 months to live. Most would have stopped coaching to focus on treatment, but not Rob. He decided to fight cancer, continue to coach and be a model and inspiration. Our players watched Rob live his motto on a daily basis and learned first-hand its importance. Because of this, the growth of our team throughout the course of the year was monumental.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs described by Coach James\u2019 nominator, Rob\u2019s mindset and approach to his cancer diagnosis is inspiring and eye-opening,\u201d said Blue KC Chief Communications Officer Christa Dubill. \u201cHis ability to continue to impact lives on a daily basis is one of the many reasons he is receiving this honor. His dedication and commitment to his players, family and friends is something we can all strive for in our own lives. We\u2019re proud to announce Rob James as a Blue KC Coaches with Character recipient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
Blue KC Coaches with Character Program<\/p> <\/div>\n