James "Jim" D. Aamodt

James David Aamodt

On Sunday, May 16, 2021, the Rockford community and the world of tumbling, trampoline and gymnastics lost a loving father, coach, entrepreneur and acrobatic legend. Jim co-owned the Gymnastic Academy of Rockford with his wife, Lori Aamodt and was one of the most decorated tumbling coaches in US history. Jim is credited with coaching 18 world tumbling champions, over 500 national champions, over 1000 regional champions, and over 2000 state and local champions. Throughout his career he placed athletes on 25 national teams and is the only coach in US history to place athletes on national teams across five decades.

Born February 18, 1958 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jim received his Masters of Athletic Training from the University of Utah. He married Lori Davidson on Sept 17th, 1988 in Rockford, IL, where they raised two amazing children Anthony and Bradee. Always the coach, he mentored thousands to dream and achieve in sport and life.

Jim was exceptionally innovative, having been internationally recognized as a program developer and inventor. He wrote the developmental tumbling program known as the “Whip Progression System” which was implemented by the sport’s national governing bodies and is still widely used today. He developed the first “SKI” tumbling floor used extensively in the US and Canada, which became the premier floor used in all national competitions in the 80’s and 90’s. Jim served on multiple technical and judging committees for the USAG, USSAF, USAF, USTA and ATTA. Truly a legend, Jim was inducted into the gallery of legends and Hall of Fame by the World Acrobatics Society. Most recently, Jim has been nominated for the USA Gymnastics Lifetime Achievement Award. His influence, attention to detail and excellence will impact the sport for generations to come.

Despite all the professional accolades his family always came first. He lived life to the fullest, making friends wherever he went. He always enjoyed a live ball game—watching his favorites, Alabama football and Chicago Bears. He was in his element helping others brainstorm ideas, volunteering at the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, and even participating in the event in 1998. He also loved his yellow 1973 Opal racing car, and the monthly car shows which he hosted in Roscoe.

Always generous, Jim was a perfectionist, caretaker, entrepreneur, loyal and trusted friend, dog lover, fierce leader, and mentor. He was driven, dedicated, funny, charismatic, goal oriented, an influencer, a visionary, dreamer, and charitable.

Jim is survived by those who loved him most, his faithful and loving wife of 32 years, Lori; their children Dr. Anthony Aamodt of Seattle, WA and Bradee (Cameron) Osborne of Rockford, IL; beloved dogs Sadie, Gracie, & Belle; his parents David & Shirley Aamodt of Farmington, UT; siblings Camille Meriwether of Layton, UT, William Aamodt of Kaysville, UT, Julie (Dennis) Jeppsen of Brigham City, UT, Robert (Julie) Aamodt of Farmington, UT, and Daniel Aamodt of Loves Park, IL.

A visitation will take place for Jim on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Masks and social distancing will be required. For those unable to attend the service there will be a Zoom service with Meeting ID: 868 7439 2651 and passcode 123. In lieu of flowers, please donate directly to the James D. Aamodt Charitable Gift Fund which will be dedicated to serving members of the community in need. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com

The fund can be reached at https://utahcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=2584