By T. Scott Boatright
His smile seemed larger than life itself.
But his heart was even bigger.
Grambling State University and the city of Grambling were rocked Monday with the news of the passing of Michael Jiles at the age of 54.
Raised in Grambling, Jiles was a standout offensive lineman for Grambling Laboratory High School before going to play for legendary Grambling State football Coach Eddie G. Robinson.
As a G-Man, Jiles was a three-year letterman and member of the 1989 SWAC Championship team and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mass communication, sometimes serving as a contributing sportswriter for the late Ruston Leader Executive Sports Editor Buddy Davis.
Herman Arvie, a teammate of Giles at GSU before Arvie moved on to play in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, remembered his fallen friend Monday evening.
“Rev. Dr. Michael L. Jiles will be sorely missed,” Arvie said. “He was the epitome of what it means to be a G-Man. Mike was from Grambling, grew up in Grambling, and was the waterboy for the Tigers when he was a kid. He knew everything about the history of Grambling State University, not just Grambling football. He was loved by everybody, and I loved his entire family.
“During Bayou Classic week, when the football team and band were in Grambling for Thanksgiving, Mike’s family would invite and welcome all of his ‘Big Kahuna’ brothers over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was like being at home, and the food was absolutely delicious. When I learned of his passing from another teammate and brother, Dr. Roderick Henderson. I was speechless. Several of us were together just a few weeks ago for the Grambling Legends Sports HOF induction ceremony on July 13.”
Jiles learned much from Coach Rob, including lessons about not only football but also much about many aspects of life and especially about making an impact in the lives of others and especially young people.
And Jiles made his gridiron mentor proud. A high school football and track coach for 30 years, Jiles was serving as the Athletic Director and Head Boys Track Coach at Woodlawn Leadership Academy in Shreveport as well as the Offensive Line Coach for the Southern University at Shreveport Jags at the time of his death.
“Today, we mourn the untimely loss of our beloved faculty member, the Rev. Dr. Michael Jiles,” read a post made on the Woodlawn High School Knights Facebook page. “During his time at Woodlawn, Coach Jiles served as Head Boys Track Coach, Head Indoor Track Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, and Athletic Director. A true Woodlawn Knight, his love for Woodlawn was unmatched. He will forever remain a Knight in our hearts.”
Over his years in coaching Jiles was a two-time State Coach of the Year and guided teams to a state championship, two state runner-up titles and several regional and district Championships.
“I am heartbroken after hearing about the loss of Coach Jiles,” said GSU graduate Katrina Harris, who ran track for Grambling Lab under Jiles’ leadership. “He was a legend who produced legends. I ‘m glad he took a chance on me and let me be on his track team. I remember hating lifting weights because I was so skinny and scrawny.
“Coach wasn’t gonna let that slide. I had a special weightlifting plan which consisted of me doing all my reps with just the bar lol no weights lol … Coach met you where you were and coached you into greatness … no excuses. We were at the top of our game every track meet. I was able to run 300-meter hurdles for him and win a few medals under his guidance. He will be greatly missed.”
Jiles was also serving as a Louisiana State University Track and Field Official at the time of his death.
“I regret to hear about the passing of former Track Coach for Grambling High Coach Michael Jiles,” said Rixie Thompson in a Facebook post made on Monday. “He was such an inspiration to my son Chase during his track years at GHS. Please keep the Jiles family in your prayers.”
Jiles was the Assistant to the Pastor at the Mary Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, under the leadership of Dr. Willie Giles, Jr.
He received his Certificate of Studies in Humanities and Religious Studies from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Theology Degree from Caddo Theological Seminary and Bible College before earning his Doctoral Degree in Theology in May of 2022.
“He was a good person who was always positive,” said fellow Grambling native Ray Higgins, executive producer for the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame, Inc. “I never saw him upset or mad. We would always have fun and thought-provoking conversations. He loved God, his family, his students, and Grambling.”
Preceded in death by parents Y.D. Jackson and Dr. Betty Jackson, Jiles is survived by his wife of 26 years Alecia S. Jiles, with whom he shared a son and a grandchild.
“As I process my brother’s death, I realize we all have an end date,” Arvie said. “One thing is certain; he was a God-fearing man and loved spreading the word of God. I will truly miss my brother and will do my very best to keep his legacy alive.”
