James F Paronto

Jim Paronto served as the NCAA Baseball Secretary Rules Editor but has also served as a teacher, coach and administrator his entire adult life.  He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Adams State College and a Doctorate of Education in Athletic Administration from Brigham Young University.

Paronto taught and coached high school football and baseball in El Centro, California and Monte Vista, Colorado.  He became head baseball coach at Adams State in 1972.  In 1981, he left his alma mater for Brigham Young University where he served on the Sport and Physical Education staff, as well as the assistant football coach.  From 1985-1987, he served as assistant football coach at Oregon State University.  In 1987 he coached and taught at Grand Junction Central High School.  In 1990, he became the head football coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Mesa State College and then it’s Athletic Director from 1994-1998.

Coach Paronto was also a longtime umpire serving in the PAC-10, WAC, Mountain West and the Junior College World Series.  He worked the Junior College World Series 15 years and the Connie Mack World Series 5 times.  He served as the Umpire Coordinator for the Mountain West Conference, the Scenic West Athletic Conference and the Junior College World Series.   In 2003, he became the NCAA Baseball Secretary Rules Editor.

Jim is survived by his wife Rita Garcia-Paronto, daughter Jami Paronto, son Kristian (Tanya) Paronto and son Michael (Nyoka) Paronto along with Grandchildren: Reese Paronto, Kristian Paronto, Anderson Allison, Adelyn Paronto and Colton Paronto.

A Celebration of Life will be held in April 2024

Services will be held December 22, 2023 10:00 AM at St Matthews Episcopal Church.  3888 27 ½ Rd  Grand Junction, CO 81506

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s name to the charity of your choice.

Zoom link for services:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84774917296?pwd=Uk92NklYdXhoTjVMN0tScFpRazNwQT09