Worcester - Charles K. Ives, Jr. had a life-long passion for playing sports and coaching others.  As a student at Roxbury Central High, he had a .667 batting average and scored 42 points in 3 quarters of a basketball game. He attended SUNY Delhi and played Varsity Basketball under Coach Robert Brown from 1959 until 1961 when he joined the United States Air Force. In the service, Charles formed the 695th Basketball Team which he captained for 2 years and led them to the 29th Air Division Tournament, both years. In 1965 Ives returned to Delhi again playing for Brown and was elected Team Captain of the Basketball Team.  Ives was honored as Athlete of the Year in 1966.  He went on to East Stroudsburg State College after earning his A.A.S. degree in Building Construction at Delhi.  He later earned his Master's in Phys Ed from the University of Northern Iowa. From 1973 to 1974 Ives was a Physical Education Instructor at SUNY Delhi, serving as Assistant Coach to Brown. He enjoyed a long career as Physical Education Instructor, Athletic Director and Coach at Worcester Central School from 1969 to 1972 and 1974 to 1996 where he was elected Coach of the Year in 1979 and 1985.  In 2002 Charles was inducted into the Tri-Valley Coaches Hall of Fame.

Charles was predeceased by parents, Dr. Charles K. and Ruth A Ives and, most recently by his wife, Grace.

His large family and many friends will miss his smile, charm, and his gentle presence.

In lieu of a service, we will hold a Celebration of Charles' life, at a later date. For now, just be kind to each other.

Condolences may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com .  Arrangements are with Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester.