Jimmy Reeves has been coaching in some form or fashion for 30 years, and now the Opp Lady Bobcat coach is retiring from coaching and teaching.

“I’ve been truly blessed with wonderful opportunities in my career,” Reeves said. “The places I’ve coached have all been so great to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better career.”

Reeves spent his first 11 years coaching at Beauregard High School, he then spent 12 years at Pleasant Home High School and his final six years have been at Opp High School. He coached football and baseball for the first five years before moving to just softball.

“I never really dwelled on records,” Reeves said. “I know we won a lot of games, but I never played a lick during that. We won more games than we lost and that makes you feel pretty good.”

Reeves said that he has had sometime to let it sink it that he is actually retiring.

“I have had some time to reflect over the past few weeks and it has really started to sink it,” Reeves said. “I’m so thankful and grateful that I’ve gotten paid to do what I love for so long.  From my relationships with my players to relationships with other coaches and administration, I just can’t thank God enough for allowing me to do something that I love so much.”

Relationships with former players are something that Reeves said he truly cherishes.

“Some of my best friends are guys that I coached in Beauregard,” Reeves said. “They are 40 something years old now. It’s just so special when they tell you that they think you had something to do with their life. Ain’t no money worth that.”

Reeves said where he goes from here is up to God.

“My plan now is to fall where the wind blows me,” Reeves said. “I would love to coach more if God presents the opportunity. I want to spend the years I have left trying to serve more, and put back a little bit of what people have put into me.”

Last but not least, Reeves wanted to thank all the assistant coaches, teachers and administration that have been with him along the journey.

“I’ve had some outstanding people around me for my entire career,” Reeves said. “Frankie Wiggins when I was at Pleasant Home and Lynn Jones since I’ve been at Opp have been amazing. Both of them volunteered and just did an outstanding job. It’s easy to be successful when you are surrounded by those types of people. I’m so thankful for all the relationships with everyone involved and all the teams that I’ve had the pleasure to coach.”