SAN ANTONIO – The St. Mary's Rattler family was saddened to learn of the passing long-time "Voice of the Rattlers" James M. Koett on Saturday, April 25, 2020.
Koett, in addition to handling the public-address announcing for men's basketball at St. Mary's for 27 years, also served as a member of the Booster Club throughout his tenure – including a stint as president in 1977. He was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992 and retired from announcing at the conclusion of the 2004-2005 season after seeing the Rattlers advance to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in five years.
He graduated from St. Mary's in 1963, while his brother, Craig earned a degree in 1969. Jim received a commission in the U.S. Army after completing the ROTC program at St. Mary's and served on active duty for two years before returning to San Antonio. During his military career, Koett received both the Bronze Star and a Meritorious Unit Citation.
For the majority of his adult life, Koett worked for Sigmor, ascending to vice-president and division manager when the company merged with Diamond Shamrock in 1983. He worked at Diamond Shamrock until 1995 when he returned to Tom Turner's employ as the president of Tetco Stores Inc., the gasoline and convenience store retailing division of Tetco, the Turner family business empire. Koett retired in 1998.
In addition to working with Rattler athletics, Koett also served on the Alumni Association board from 1981 to 1986, serving as that president in 1985-86. He spent time on the Board of Trustees from 1986-1994, serving the first year as the AA past president. While a member of the trustees, Koett chaired the Athletic Scholarship Committee and the University Relations Committee.
He is survived by his wife, Rita nee Brauchle, as well as sons Stephen Koett and wife Moira, Michael Koett and wife Heather and several grandchildren.
The details of the visitation, memorial and internment will be released soon.
James M. Koett Obituary
