Roll Call Tribute

James Stanley Roper 

September 24, 1937 - June 1, 2023 

James Stanley Roper, a long time Houston High School Coach, passed away June 1st, 2023.

Coach Roper, known to most of his friends as Stan, was born on September 24, 1937, in Richland Springs, TX, to J.W. (Dub) Roper and Agatha Cleghorn Roper. In December 1941, the Roper Family moved to Austin, TX, to attempt to escape the depths of the depression. Stan attended Austin I.S.D. Schools, graduating from Austin High in 1955, where he met the love of his life – Leta Harwell.

Stan's High School senior yearbook labeled him, "A Student, an Athlete and a Worthy Man." Stan excelled at football, earning Mr. City of Austin Honors, and received a football scholarship to Texas A&M University to play under Coach Paul Bear Bryant.

Stanley & Leta were married August 8, 1959. They then began their careers in the Houston I.S.D. schools. Stan taught and coached in 6 decades, retiring from Bellaire High School in 2001.

Stanley was a proud member of the Texas A&M Letterman's Association, Texas High School Coaches Association, served on numerous neighborhood and civic organizations, the Board of Braes Interfaith Ministries, and was a member of the St. Paul's Methodist Church Men's Bible Study.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, a baby sister Sandra, and an infant grandson Connor.

Stanley is survived by his adoring wife Leta, sons Stephen & Brian, daughters-in-law Julie and Karla, grandchildren Carson Roper, Campbell & Morgan Roper, Emily & Kohl Matcek, Brady & Justus Roper, and Trevor Roper. Stanley is also survived by his brother Phil & Kathy Roper, his family and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Houston, on Monday, June 5th at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be given in his name to St. Paul's Methodist Church or Braes Interfaith Ministries.