Obituary of Karl Anthony Tatham

Karl Anthony Tatham was born in London, England on October 26, 1956 to the late Windell Tatham. He came to the United States at the age of 12 and grew up in Queens (Corona), New York. He graduated high school from Newtown High School in Queens, New York. Karl attended college was a collegiate basketball player at Broom Community College and Jacksonville University (1977-1980) where he received his bachelors degree in marketing. After college, he began his professional basketball career overseas and starred for basketball clubs including Solent Stars (1980-1984), Birmingham Bullets (1984-1985), Manchester United (1985-1986) and Portsmouth (1987-1988); he is recognized as one of the greats of the 1980s. In the 80s he was a member of the England and Great Britain National Team and was an influential member of 1984 and 1988 Olympic Qualifying Teams. Throughout his professional basketball career, he lived in Birmingham, England, Manchester, England and traveled the world. Karl returned to the United states in1988 and resided in Jacksonville, FL. Karl began his coaching career at Jacksonville University. He coached at local High schools, such as Sandalwood, University Christian, and Ed White. Also, he was the Head Coach at Episcopal High School for 8 years. Most recently, he was the assistant coach for the women's basketball team at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Karl founded PRO-AM JAX INC, a nonprofit for at risk kids in 1993, which birthed the "Knighthawks". Through PRO-AM JAX INC, he created a club which was comprised of many AAU basketball teams for boys 19 and under to compete at high levels, and later added teams for girls. He also created career mentorship opportunities for kids, by offering them jobs with local businesses. Karl was influential in affording many players the opportunity to play basketball at the college and professional level. Through his organization he hosted a multitude of adult basketball leagues, AAU tournaments and local high school summer leagues over the years. Karl was the owner and head coach of the Florida Lady Knighthawks, a semi-professional women's basketball team in the WBCBL in which he prepared women to play at the professional level. Over the years, Karl trained and mentored many players and assisted many coaches in their development by providing them with opportunities to hone their skills. Karl had a career in transportation at CSX Transportation for 17 years as a Crew Dispatch Manager until 2004. He then worked at several companies in the airline industry at Jacksonville International Airport. At an early age Karl accepted Christ. He worshipped at Bible Baptist Church for 32 years under the leadership of Reverend Benoit George where he was an active member, a trustee, and a faithful member in men's ministry. Also, he was appointed as the head basketball coach for Bible Baptist Academy, creating a Church league for private Christian Schools without basketball programs to compete. He was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years and from that union he was blessed with 3 children. Karl remarried in 2013, and leaves to cherish his loving wife Lenita Tatham; Children- Nathan Tatham (Dayna), Tiffany Tatham, Justin Tatham, and Jemelle Grant; Grandchildren- Xavier Pomales, Josiah Tatham, Isabella Tatham, Jaxson Tatham, Victoria Tatham, and Jamari Grant; Sister- Jean Richards(John) and a host of cousins, niece and nephews, and loving family and friends. Brother-in-Laws: Edwin Levern Wilcox (Janice) Dave Andre Wilcox (Tina) Danny Wilcox (Corrine) Bobby Wilcox (Mildred) Eric Wilcox (Paula) Sister-in-Law: Melenease Wilcox