During Monday’s Chehalis City Council meeting, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum read a proclamation honoring Jake State, a W.F. West High School basketball and tennis coach of 50 years, who passed away earlier this month.
His wife, Colleen State, was present at the Jan. 22 meeting to accept the proclamation.
“The Chehalis community lost an extraordinary teacher, coach and leader on Jan. 6, 2024, with the passing of Jack State,” Ketchum said. “... Students and athletes that had the honor of having Mr. State in their life credit him for helping them reach their full potential by teaching the skills necessary to succeed in sport and in life.”
Jack State had been instrumental in helping tennis grow as a sport throughout Lewis County, Ketchum added. The Lewis County Tennis Association established the Jack State Tennis Tournament in his honor in 2022.
“Jack State’s memory will live on through his family, who share his commitment to serving our youth and our community, adding even more to his remarkable legacy,” Ketchum said.
“Thank you all,” Colleen State said.
Additionally, the Chehalis City Council filled its vacancy on Monday and returned to a full seven-member council as Councilor John Six was sworn in by Chehalis Municipal Court Judge Allen Unzelman.
Six was selected for the position last week after being interviewed by the council during a special meeting on Jan. 18. His position, Council District 1, was left vacant last year after former Councilor Jerry Lord moved out of Chehalis and had to resign.
