By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

James Terrill’s memory will be honored Friday in Chandler in the same Eubanks Stadium where he made many plays for his high school football team.

Terrill, a 2015 Seton Catholic Prep graduate, died in May in Wisconsin in a work accident at age 27. He was a major contributor as a student-athlete during his high school days, particularly in football.

The Terrill family and Seton Catholic invite the public to celebrate his legacy at the James Terrill Memorial Game on Friday, as the Sentinels football team hosts Independence.

“James Terrill ‘15 was a shining example of selflessness, hard work and athletic excellence at Seton Catholic Prep,” Seton Catholic staff wrote on social media in announcing the upcoming remembrance. “His spirit and dedication left an indelible mark on our community.”

Before the game, there will be a “Terrill Tailgate” that all are welcome to attend.

An obituary published by a Wisconsin funeral home said Terrill, of Fond du Lac, died May 25 “due to a jobsite accident” while working on Washington Island. A tornado had recently caused major damage in the area.

The obituary says Terrill was selfless, hardworking, and an excellent athlete.”

James, one of the sons of Joel and Mary Pollock Terrill, earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. He graduated at the top of his class from Northwest Lineman College in 2021, earning an “Eagle” award at that school.

As a third-generation lineman, he was following in the footsteps of his two uncles and grandfather.

He had just married a local Wisconsite, Maisie TenDolle, last September. The obituary said he loved the outdoors, taking out their boat on Lake Winnebago.

“James was the real deal,” the author of the obituary wrote. “He was kind, caring, and generous to everyone he met. The kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back — evident by his numerous friends."

Terrill will be honored by the Sentinels program he helped reach the 4A state semifinals and a 12-1 record his senior year, 2014. He played offensive line and linebacker, leading the team in tackles, according to MaxPreps.

His sophomore season, 2012, the Sentinels went 13-1 and won the 4A state title.

James’ surviving family includes his brother, Jacob Terrill, who also attended and played football at Seton Catholic.

A private family burial for James Terrill was held in Fond du Lac, Wisc. in early June.

Friday’s game at Eubanks Stadium, located on the Seton Catholic campus at Dobson and Ray roads in Chandler, is set for 7 p.m.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.

INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.