Well-known N.Ga. football coach Jim Lofton dies at 85

GAINESVILLE -- Long-time local high school football coach Jim Lofton has passed away at the age of 85.<br /> <br /> Lofton, who had suffered from congestive heart failure, died New Year's Day.<br /> <br /> Lofton coached for 34 years, beginning his career in 1954 at North Fulton High School in Atlanta and then moving to Dykes High School; both schools have since closed.<br /> <br /> He finished with 233 wins, which puts in 34th on the all-time wins list in Georgia.<br /> <br /> He began his coaching journey in the northeast Georgia area, taking over at Jefferson in 1965. He coached the Dragons until 1974, winning 70 games. He took over at East Hall in 1979, winning 62 games and leading the Vikings to the Class AA state semifinals in 1982, their best-ever showing to this day. <br /> <br /> He left East Hall for North Hall in 1987 and won 36 games. He left North Hall for Greater Atlanta Christian in 1994 and won 40 games, including leading the Spartans to the Class A state semifinals in 1998, his final season on the sidelines.<br /> <br /> He completed his career with a 233-123-8 record making six playoff appearances.<br /> <br /> His funeral is scheduled on Sunday, January 6 at 2 p.m. in the main sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Gainesville.