William (Bill) Wham
Bill Wham, 77, passed away May 7, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Evanston to Robert and Anna Wham, he grew up in Evanston, graduated from Evanston Township High School and attended Indiana University on an athletic scholarship earning a masters degree in economics and marketing.
Bill had a long and successful career in business coupled with nearly 30 years as the tennis coach at Lyons Township High School, LaGrange, Illinois. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sharon (nee Benson), daughters Katherine Wham and Jeannine Quinn, grandchildren Meghan and William Quinn, twin brother Robert (Pam), brother-in-law Troy Benson, and nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Philip preceded him in death. Bill loved life, his family, his friends, and all dogs. He was passionate about tennis and coaching, teaching young players skills and strategy for the tennis court and for life.
An outstanding tennis player in high school, Bill qualified for the Illinois State Tennis Championships his sophomore, junior and senior years. He played on Evanston’s IHSA Championship tennis team in 1960 and was captain of the undefeated 1961 team (ETHS Hall of Fame Class of 2010). Bill went on to play varsity tennis at Indiana University, was part of the 1964 Big Ten Championship team, and attained all-time letter-winner status.
As the coach at Lyons Township High School, Bill shared his love and knowledge of tennis with countless young players. He compiled over 600 dual match victories; coached a girls’ state champion and boys’ doubles state champions; and, won four IHSA trophies. In 2007 Bill was named the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and the IHSA Boys Coach of the Year in 2019. He also networked with college and university coaches encouraging recruitment of his players to those tennis programs, many of whom received athletic scholarships.
Those who wish to honor Bill’s life may make a donation to the Bill Wham Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was established in memory of Bill’s life and his steadfast servant leadership of others on and off the tennis court. The Bill Wham Memorial Scholarship seeks to recognize and financially assist one female and one male student athlete that has participated in four years of Illinois High School tennis and aspires to compete collegiately at the club or the varsity level. This award is to be bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional effort, devotion, and love for the game through which Bill transformed so many lives. Donations may be sent to the Bill Wham Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Serve & Return Chicago (formerly Chicago Tennis Patrons), 2444 North Elston, Chicago, Illinois 60647 (chicagotennispatrons.org).
A Celebration of Life in Bill’s honor will be held at the Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois on June 11th at 2 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.
Bill was a great 😊 guy and will be missed by all who knew him. We played on Indiana tennis teams together for 4 years and in 1964 won the Big Ten team title (last year that IU won the title 57 years ago). He was an excellent teacher and friend to many kids that he taught. Sorry to miss the Celebration of Life event but will be thinking of him with fond memories.
I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without Bill (Whammer). He was my consummate doubles partner for years and one of the best friends a person can have. As we aged and lost a bit more to Bro, Steve, Williams, Joey, we were fortunate to have a great time playing with Kenny, Burke. Loved Bill, his enthusiasm for everyone and everything that crossed his path. He will be missed by me, and my kids who loves him, as well.
We are truly sorry for your loss. Bill was a big part of our family and especially our son David. Thankfully, he is no longer in pain. Hopefully, drinking his Coca-Colas in Heaven. Our deepest condolences to the entire family.🎾
I have really fond memories of Coach Wham at LT from 04-08. Many early mornings and after-school days on the courts in the fall. Wham was tough and a competitor. He got frustrated when I fraternized with the competition, and I enjoyed making him laugh when he was especially serious. My favorite memory is of him driving the piece-of-shit van ( “Lyons Township Tennis Team” on the side in peeling paint) through luxurious north shore private neighborhoods after a match, after we insisted we wanted to find Michael Jordan’s mansion. We slowly drove by mansions in this ridiculous rundown van and we were eventually asked to leave the private community by a security person. I recall aching with laughter. I’m so saddened to learn of his passing and I send my condolences to his family.
Bill was truly an important part of LT Boys and Girls Tennis. His background in tennis made him a natural fit. He loved the competition, strategy, and most of all the players. He always had an opinion and story to tell. His knowledge of tennis was
well respected and helped many players who benefited from his coaching.
When my husband and I first moved to La Grange Park, we joined the tennis association and participated in their many fun tournaments and socials. One of the first events was a mixed doubles match against Sharon and Bill Wham. Oh boy, did we learn a thing or two, and immediately became fans of Bill and Sharon. He will be missed and remembered with love!
Coach Wham is on the Mt Rushmore of all time player-coaches for sure. I was there at LT in the late 90s and kept in touch with the program over the years. He was a competitive maniac in the best way because he also understood camaraderie, sportsmanship, and had a tremendous sense of humor and community. I loved how for about the last decade it seemed like we would hear, yeah Wham will probably coach for just one more year. That was Wham he always had the heart for one more. He was the best conversationalist and coach for the mental side on tour as well. He did volumes in growing and sustaining the sport in the greater La Grange area including helping a lot of kids get scholarships or just learn to love a sport for life whatever level they were at. Cheers Coach Wham we love you and we’ll miss you greatly.
From our very first encounters at Salt Creek Club, Bill Wham coached and mentored me like one of his own LT guys – despite being a Hinsdale kid destined to play under Jay Kramer. Without Whammer’s practical guidance and coaching, I would never have had a strong enough game to share the courts at Burns Field with a roster of state champions from 2006-2009.
Selflessly, Bill Wham supported and encouraged us all in the game of life. In doing so he enabled players young and old to forge relationships on and off the court. On behalf of my family and myself, I am forever grateful for the wisdom he offered at every step of the journey and promise to pay it forward.
Where do I start with Wham. Always welcoming, enthusiastic, never hesitating to tell you where you should be on the court…. Thoroughly enjoyed being with him, especially on the court. Amazing perseverance. Never complained. Will miss him.