BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Famer and former men's basketball coach Jim Wiles passed away Tuesday, August 18, at the age of 76.

Wiles served as head coach of the Runnin' Bulldogs from 1978-1990, posting a 221-149 record during his 12 seasons at the helm. During that time, Wiles led Gardner-Webb to six 20-win seasons and two NAIA National Tournament berths.

Wiles was inducted into the Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame on November 1, 2002 as part of a standout class that included Fredia Lawrence (women's basketball), Dean Jones (baseball) and Rodney Robinson (football).

Wiles wasted no time winning games in Boiling Springs, going 24-6 in his first season on the sidelines. That squad topped the 100-point mark six times. He followed by winning 23 games in his second season and 25 as a third-year head coach.

The Wilkesboro, N.C., native coached two NBA Draft picks during his time with the Runnin' Bulldogs – center Eddie Lee Wilkins (New York Knicks) and swingman Ben Davis (Cleveland Cavaliers). Both Wilkins and Davis are now in the Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame. Wilkins, who earned NAIA All-America honors in 1983 and 1984, ranks second on the school's all-time scoring (2,361 points) and rebounding (1,103 rebounds) list.

Another standout post player under Wiles – Stan Easterling – ranks third on that same list in both categories, having scored 2,134 points and pulled down 1,062 rebounds from 1985-1989.

Prior to his career at Gardner-Webb, Wiles served as head coach at Anderson Junior College from 1968-1978. He forged a 248-65 record with the Trojans (.792 winning percentage), with three undefeated seasons and five NJCAA National Tournament appearances.

In addition to his place in Gardner-Webb's Athletics Hall of Fame, Wiles is also a member of the Anderson Athletic Hall of Fame and the North Wilkes (N.C.) High School Hall of Fame.