On Friday, August 23, 2024, at 5:20 p.m. James Lloyd “Jim” Conger took the best seat at Kidd Brewer Stadium on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.
Jim was born on July 7, 1938, in Statesville, N.C., to the late Luther Rankin Conger Sr. and Amelia Bowie Conger. He was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Luther Rankin Conger Jr.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Plyler Conger; daughters Amelia Onsrud (John) and Kelli Houston (Moe); brothers, William Thomas Conger (Frances), and George Watkins Conger (Nancy); and brother-in-law, Bill Plyler. Jim adored his four grandchildren, Katie Greene (Jonathan), Hannah Cartner (Dillon), James Onsrud and Nancy Onsrud. He was blessed with four great grandchildren, Savannah and Rhett Greene, and Riggs and Waylon Cartner.
Jim graduated from Scotts High School in 1956 and Appalachian State University in 1961. While attending Appalachian State, he played football from 1956-1961. He was a four-year starter, played 38 games straight and held the record for consecutive starts until the early 1970s. He was awarded All Conference in 1959. In 1960 Jim signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. Jim coached and taught in Virginia and North Carolina for 37 years. He and Dottie retired together from the Iredell-Statesville School system in 1997. He was inducted into the Appalachian State Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Iredell County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
A private celebration will be held at a later date
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to ASU Yosef Club (https://mountaineersathleticfund.com/), Purple Heart Homes (https://purplehearthomesusa.org/donate/) or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County (https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now).
Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Conger family.
Mr. Conger was such a joy to be around. He helped make my dream of attending App State come true. Him and Dottie will always hold a special place in my heart. Love and prayers to the family. 💛🖤
A Wonderful Man. Prayers of peace for all the family.
Good man! I enjoyed my time with this excellent man and football coach.
Thoughts and Prayers for all the family at this time of great loss.
Jim Conger was more than “just a customer” at Benfield’s Appliance. He was a kind friend. He always entered the store with a big smile, a great story and boundless energy. He was always a delight. Many thoughts and prayers for the difficult days ahead.
Coach Conger was my favorite at North Iredell High School. Him, Coach Wedditon, and Coach Love were coaches that could never be replaced. I tell everyone I was his favorite. Kelly Almelia, I loved your dad and I know there are many more. Awesome man! May God give you and your family the strength you need for this loss. Hold your head high because he is loved by many. Ruby Smyre Stevenson
Coach Conger gave me the nick name “Beef.” He was my o-line Coach from 1981-1984. He taught me the ins and outs of the game I loved. He was a great coach. RIP, Coach